Several prominent foreigners will be released in Myanmar as part of a mass amnesty. They were sentenced to long prison terms by courts controlled by the military junta. Australian economics professor Sean Turnell, former British ambassador to the country Vicky Bowman, her husband Htein Lin and Japanese journalist Toru Kubota were due to be released from prison on Thursday, according to media reports.
In all, more than 5,700 prisoners were to be released, including nearly 700 women, it said, citing information from the military government. The pardon was granted because of the national holiday. The Southeast Asian country formerly known as Burma has consistently issued amnesty to mark the occasion.
Australia fought for Turnell’s release
Turnell is the former adviser to deposed Prime Minister Aung San Suu Kyi. He was arrested shortly after the February 2021 military coup and was on trial for alleged violations of an official secrecy law. At the end of September, he was sentenced to three years in prison – to the horror of human rights activists around the world. The Australian government has repeatedly called for Turnell’s release. Professor colleagues have also been working for him for months.
Vicky Bowman was sentenced to one year in prison in early September for alleged immigration violations. Her husband from Myanmar, the artist Htein Lin, was charged with complicity and also sentenced to a year in prison.
Journalist filmed protest action and was arrested
In October, Japanese journalist Toru Kubota was sentenced to a total of 10 years in prison for incitement to hatred and violations of communications and immigration laws. The documentary maker was arrested after filming a protest in the largest city of Yangon (formerly Rangoon).
Show trials against deposed head of government
Since the coup d’état and the ousting of de facto Prime Minister Aung San Suu Kyi, the junta has ruled with an iron fist. The army crushes any resistance. Foreigners are also targeted by the generals. Suu Kyi is in solitary confinement in a prison and must face a series of new charges in court. Human rights activists speak of show trials.
Source: Krone
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