61 more political prisoners released in Myanmar

Sixty-one more political prisoners including activists and students facing trial connected with politics were released as of Saturday night after their cases were withdrawn, official sources said.

The latest release brought the total of political prisoners freed to 199 including 36 women.

They were released from prisons in Bago, Magway, Yangon, Mandalay regions.

In addition, 2,178 other prisoners, who were set to enjoy cut of prison terms on new year occasion, were also released.

The authorities' move was made in response to State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi' efforts to free political prisoners on the occasion of the upcoming Myanmar new year falling on next week.

The release is the first after the new government took office.

More releases are expected in the following days despite holidays ahead of Myanmar water festival which is to start next Tuesday.
Source: XINHUA