Myanmar frees two jailed journalists in mass amnesty ahead of election
JournalismPakistan.com | Published 4 days ago | JP Asia Desk
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Two prominent Myanmar journalists jailed under laws targeting dissent were released under a regime amnesty, a development with mixed implications for press freedom ahead of elections.Summary
YANGON — The military government in Myanmar has released two well-known journalists, Sithu Aung Myint and Htet Htet Khine, under a mass amnesty announced ahead of elections. The move was confirmed by independent news outlet DVB on December 2.
Sithu Aung Myint had been arrested in August 2021 and convicted under Section 505-A of the Penal Code, accused of spreading false news and incitement against the military regime. Htet Htet Khine worked for BBC Media Action and was also imprisoned under similar charges. Both were reportedly released on November 30, along with thousands of other political detainees.
Press organisations and rights observers have viewed the amnesty as a politically motivated gesture timed to the upcoming 2025–2026 general election. The regime said the pardons were intended to allow eligible voters to participate freely.
Limited relief as wider crackdown continues
Though the release of the two journalists offers a rare reprieve, many independent media outlets remain under legal threat. Earlier in November 2025, the regime filed charges against exile-run AAMIJ News under a new Election Protection Law while its freelance contributor remains imprisoned.
What the release means for press freedom prospects
The amnesty may ease some immediate pressure on media workers and their families. Still, the broader environment remains hostile: dozens of reporters remain jailed under incitement or counter-terrorism laws, and independent outlets continue to operate under threat. Press freedom advocates warn that the selective release does not signal systemic reform.
KEY POINTS:
- Two journalists, Sithu Aung Myint and Htet Htet Khine, were released on Nov. 30 under a mass amnesty by Myanmar’s military regime
- They had been convicted under Section 505-A, legislation commonly used to silence critics and independent media
- The amnesty came ahead of the 2025–2026 general election, which the regime says aims to allow voters to participate freely
- Press organizations warn that the release is selective and does not change the broader repression of independent journalism
- The case of AAMIJ News, charged under the Election Protection Law even as some journalists are freed, shows continuing systemic pressure
ATTRIBUTION: Reporting based on DVB and Associated Press coverage
