Burma Frees Activists!

661 Political Prisoners Released

Human Rights – The Burmese government has taken a huge step in the right direction by releasing 651 political prisoners, including activists, ethnic leaders, journalists, bloggers, and monks.

Nilar Thein, Burma’s most prominent female activist, her husband, as well as members of the 1988 student uprising that led to brutal crackdowns were all released. Thein, had served three years of her 65 year sentence, and upon release was reunited with her 5-year-old daughter, whom she had last seen when she was an infant.

“After years of international calls the government is finally doing the right thing and releasing political prisoners. But we believe there are still hundreds of political dissidents imprisoned. The next step is for Burma’s government to allow international monitors to verify the whereabouts and conditions of those who remain in prison,” said Human Rights Watch.