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Myanmar - Release of Pro-Democracy Leaders |
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In a significant sign of easying restrictions, the military regime in Myanmar has been releasing in batches members of the Opposition National League for Democracy [NLD] led by Ms Aung San Suu Kyi, who herself is under house arrest. Among those released from jail is the top aide of Ms suu Kyi, Aye Win, 60, who is also her cousin. He was jailed on charges of subversion. More than 20 activists of the NLD were released last week. However, according to amnesty International, the military government is still holding more than 1800 political prisoners in Burma.
In addition to the prisoner releases, other signs of the government’s easing restrictions include permission for the NLD to reopen 18 Rangoon branch offices; permission for a visit by a UN human rights official and an invitation to a team from the ILO to investigate allegations of forced labour. Talks aimed at ending Myanmar’s long running political stalemate with NLD have been going on since October last year, but they have remained highly secretive.
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