Yangon
Myanmar’s former president Win Myint has been released after receiving a presidential pardon for convictions handed down following the 2021 military coup, according to an official statement from the country’s leadership.
Win Myint had been detained since the coup that removed the elected civilian government and brought the military back into full control. He served as president during Myanmar’s brief period of semi-civilian rule, when real executive power was largely held by Aung San Suu Kyi under a constrained constitutional setup.
The pardon was issued by President Min Aung Hlaing’s office, which said the decision formed part of broader amnesty measures marking national events. Alongside Win Myint’s release, authorities also announced commutations of death sentences and the release of thousands of prisoners.
However, major political figures such as Aung San Suu Kyi remain in detention, continuing to draw criticism from human rights organisations that describe the post-coup judicial actions as politically motivated.
Officials in Myanmar have framed recent releases as steps toward reconciliation and political transition, though critics argue they represent limited concessions while the military retains full control over governance and elections.
Since the coup, tens of thousands of people have been detained for political reasons, and the country has experienced prolonged armed conflict between the military and pro-democracy groups as well as ethnic armed organisations.
The release of Win Myint is being viewed as one of the most notable developments in recent months, though analysts say it is unlikely to significantly alter the overall political landscape without broader reforms or dialogue involving all major stakeholders.
