The army, which has used force to quell opposition to his rule, says the amnesty is for “humanitarian” reasons.
Myanmar’s generals say they have pardoned more than 2,000 political prisoners on the occasion of Wesak, a major Buddhist holiday.
The army said 2,153 people imprisoned for “sedition” would be released on “humanitarian grounds,” Myanmar Now reported Wednesday, citing a statement signed by Military Council secretary Lt. Gen. Aung Lin Dwe.
The Myanmar army has brutally crushed its opponents and detained thousands since it seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021.
Those charged with sedition face three years in prison.
It was not clear when the prisoners would be released, but relatives gathered outside Insein Prison in Yangon, where many political prisoners are held, hoping for their release. Thursday is Wesak Day, Buddha’s birthday.
The military often announces amnesty during major holidays.
It released more than 3,000 prisoners last month to celebrate the traditional New Year, but did not specifically say that the freedmen would include political prisoners.