Myanmar convicts charged as ‘terrorists’ by junta freed in mass amnesty
South China Morning Post
by Agence France-PresseMarch 2, 2026
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Myanmar’s military junta has granted amnesty to over 7,000 prisoners convicted of financing or sheltering a “terrorist group,” a label used to criminalize pro-democracy factions opposing its rule. The move comes amid ongoing tensions following the 2021 coup, which ended a decade of democratic experimentation and led to the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi, the country’s elected figurehead. The amnesty marks a significant step in addressing the junta’s harsh crackdown on dissent, with thousands of civilians imprisoned for opposing the regime.
Since the coup, thousands of pro-democracy activists supporting Suu Kyi and armed groups challenging military rule have been detained. These individuals were accused of treason or terrorism under laws broadly interpreted by the junta to silence opposition. The amnesty, however, excludes those accused of “directly participating in acts of violence,” suggesting the junta remains committed to targeting active resistance while softening its approach to lesser offenses.
This decision reflects both political and practical considerations for the military regime. Releasing prisoners could help alleviate international isolation and sanctions imposed by the United Nations, EU, and other global bodies. However, critics argue that the move is insufficient, as it does not address systemic human rights abuses or pave the way for democratic reforms. The junta’s selective approach to amnesty underscores its continued
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 3/2/2026