As part of an Independence Day amnesty on January 4, the junta released more than 20 inmates from Mawlaik Prison, also known as Kale Prison, in Kale (Kalay) Town, Sagaing Region, but locals said no political prisoners were among those freed.

“Not a single political prisoner was among the more than 20 inmates who were released. The exact number isn’t clear yet, but it’s confirmed to be over 20,” said a Kale resident.

To mark the 78th Independence Day, the junta announced on January 4 that 6,134 inmates, both male and female, have been released from prisons and detention centers across the country, and the sentences of those convicted of all but 13 crimes have been reduced by one-sixth.

Sources close to activists assisting the political prisoners said that more than 400 men and 100 women, a total of over 500 political prisoners, are still being held in Mawlaik Prison.