Prisoners reunite with family members outside the Insein Prison in Yangon, Myanmar, 17 April 2019. Photo: Nyein Chan Naing/EPA

The government of Myanmar on Monday said there are no political prisoners in the country, a claim rejected by the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners – Burma (AAPP-B), according to a report by the Anadolu Agency.

In a statement, the military-controlled Home Affairs Ministry said the only people incarcerated are in prison under the country’s laws and penal code for criminal acts.

Of 9,551 prisoners released under an April 17 presidential amnesty, only two were political prisoners, according to the AAPP-B

In a monthly chronicle for March, the group said at least 45 political prisoners have been convicted since the current government led by State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi took office in March 2016.

Another 94 await trial in prison, while 225 are on bail awaiting trial, it added.