Myanmar frees nearly 4,900 prisoners to mark traditional new year

Min Aung Hlaing, center, sprinkles water on a performer during opening ceremony of Myanmar traditional new year (Myanmar Military True News Information Team via AP)

The head of Myanmar’s military government has granted amnesty to around 4,900 prisoners to mark the country’s traditional new year, state-run media reported on Thursday.

It was not immediately clear how many of those were locked up for opposing army rule.