Myanmar National Human Rights Commission Issues Statement No 9/ 2023

The Chairman of the State Administration Council has pardoned the male and female prisoners in various prisons/jails/camps across the country by the pardon orders on 1 August 2023, in commemoration of the full moon of Second Waso (Dhammacakka Day). In this regards, the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission is greatly heartened for those family members who have been relieved and remitted from punishment.

Statement

1. The Chairman of the State Administration Council issued Order No 48/2023, 49/2023, 50/2023, 51/2023, 52/2023, 53/2023, and 54/2023 on 1 August 2023, in commemoration of the full moon of Second Waso (Dhammacakka Day), 1385 ME, in the interest of public peace of mind and on compassionate grounds, national solidarity, internal peace and in consideration of the friendly relations between countries.

2. According to these orders, the remaining sentences imposed on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi under Criminal Case No. 35/2021, 37/2021, 71/2021, 38/2021, and 45/2021 were remitted under Section 401 (1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure; the remaining sentences imposed on U Win Myint under Criminal Case No. 35/2021 and 36/2021 were remitted under Section 401 (1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure; the death sentences of eligible persons in prisons and jails were commuted to life imprisonment by Section 204 (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar; a total of 7,749 male and female prisoners serving sentences in respective prisons, jails and camps, were pardoned under Section 401 (1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure; 22 members of Ethnic Armed Organizations in respective prisons were pardoned under Section 401 (1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure; the sentences of 125 foreign prisoners from respective prisons and jails were remitted and shall be deported under Section 401 (1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure; and criminal cases of 72 persons under trial for connection to members of Ethnic Armed Organizations were closed and they were released under Section 419 of the Constitution.

3. It is noteworthy that the sentences of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U Win Myint were remitted in accordance with Order No 48/2023 and 49/2023.

4. The release of 125 foreign prisoners is considered a step in promoting friendly relations between countries.

5. This action is a positive step from a human rights perspective, demonstrating the State Administration Council’s respect for humanitarian issues and encouraging national solidarity and internal peace. Those whose death sentences have been commuted may have the opportunity to enjoy their lives. The Commission is convinced that not only the pardoned individuals will have the opportunity to be reunited with their families, but they will also be able to lawfully contribute towards the establishment of the Union, based on democracy and a federal system, in appreciation of the goodwill of the State.

6. The Myanmar National Human Rights Commission is greatly heartened for those family members who have been relieved and remitted from punishment.

Myanmar National Human Rights Commission

Date: 1 August 2023

Source: GNLM (2.8.2023)

 

  • In commemoration of the full moon of Second Waso (Dhammacakka Day) which falls on 1 August 2023, the Chairman of the State Administration Council has remitted the remaining sentences that were imposed on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U Win Myint, and has pardoned a total of 7,749 male and female prisoners, 22 members of Ethnic Armed Organizations, and 125 foreign prisoners serving sentences in respective prisons, jails and camps.
  • This action is a positive step from a human rights perspective, demonstrating the State Administration Council’s respect for humanitarian issues and encouraging national solidarity and internal peace.
  • The Commission is convinced that not only the pardoned individuals will have the opportunity to be reunited with their families, but they will also be able to lawfully contribute towards the establishment of the Union, based on democracy and a federal system, in appreciation of the goodwill of the State.
engdate: 
Wednesday, August 2, 2023 - 17:00
month: 
August, 2023