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YANGON: Myanmar's government has released at least seven political prisoners as part of an amnesty for more than 9,000 inmates, officials from detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's party said on Wednesday.
National League for Democracy (NLD) spokesman Nyan Win confirmed the release of the party members, who included 79-year-old journalist and prominent dissident Win Tin.
Win Tin's release Tuesday after nearly two decades behind bars in Yangon's feared Insein jail was hailed internationally by pro-democracy activists.
"I've got confirmation of the release of seven long-serving political prisoners, including Win Tin," Nyan Win said.
The spokesman said party members Aye Thein, Khin Maung Swe, Major Win Htein, Than Nyein, Aung Soe Myint and May Win Myint had also been released.
State media announced Tuesday that 9,002 prisoners would be freed so they could take part in elections promised by the ruling generals for 2010. The move comes on the one year anniversary of massive anti-government protests.
Human rights groups estimate that about 2,000 political prisoners are locked away in Myanmar and the NLD spokesman vowed the party would appeal this week to the government for the release of party leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
"We are always hoping for her release," Nyan Win said.
Myanmar's military government has said it will hold multi-party elections in 2010 but critics say the polls are just a way for the generals to solidify and legitimise their power.
Aung San Suu Kyi led the NLD to a sweeping election victory in 1990 but the government never allowed her to take office, instead keeping the Nobel peace prize winner locked away in her Yangon lakeside home.
- AFP/yb
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