Myanmar releasing 4 foreigners in broad prisoner amnesty

By DAVID RISING
Associated Press

BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s military-controlled government says it is releasing and deporting an Australian academic, a Japanese filmmaker, an ex-British diplomat and an American as part of a broad prisoner amnesty marking the country’s National Victory Day. State-run MRTV reported Australian Sean Turnell, Japan’s Toru Kubota, Briton Vicky Bowman, and American Kyaw Htay Oo, as well as 11 local Myanmar celebrities, were among 5,774 prisoners who were being released. Sydney economist Tim Harcourt says he’s “delighted” to hear of his longtime friend Turnell’s release and hopes to see him home soon. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, more than 16,000 people have been detained on political charges since Myanmar’s army ousted an elected government in February 2021.