Summary
Myanmar's leader Min Aung Hlaing has changed all death sentences to life in prison in a general amnesty. This was one of his first acts as the country's civilian president after leading a military takeover in 2021.
Key Facts
- Min Aung Hlaing led a military coup in Myanmar in February 2021 and later became the civilian president.
- After the coup, Myanmar resumed executions for the first time in decades, targeting people opposing the military rule.
- More than 130 people were sentenced to death by 2022, according to the United Nations.
- The leader’s recent order changed all death sentences to life imprisonment without naming specific individuals.
- The amnesty was part of Myanmar’s New Year celebration, releasing over 4,300 prisoners, including 179 foreigners.
- Political prisoners have been only a small part of those released in past amnesties since the coup.
- Over 30,000 people have been detained for political reasons since the coup began.
- Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s prominent political figure, remains jailed with a 27-year sentence.
- The coup caused ongoing conflict between the military and pro-democracy and ethnic groups.
- A military-backed election in January gave Min Aung Hlaing the presidency for five years.
