Rights group urges Burma amnesty

A government-appointed human rights body has appealed to the president to release prisoners who are not a threat to stability, Burmese state media reported.

Burma’s three state-owned newspapers today ran the appeal by National Human Rights Commission chairman Win Mra calling on President Thein Sein to issue a general amnesty.

Publication of the appeal is significant because the newspapers closely reflect government positions.

However, previous such calls for a general amnesty have not resulted in a full release of inmates who are considered political prisoners.

Kyi Kyi Nyunt said she will believe rumours of a general amnesty only once her brother, former student leader Min Ko Naing, comes home. He is serving a 65-year prison term.