Myanmar has begun releasing political prisoners, a day after newly appointed state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi said all remaining detainees held for political reasons would be set free.
The political prisoners were to be among a more general amnesty for around 4000 prisoners across the country, local media reports said, citing unnamed government officials.
It wasn't clear how many of the remaining political detainees were among those released on Friday.
The government aims to release all political prisoners and activists awaiting trial by the Thingyan New Year period, which starts on April 11, according to a statement signed by Suu Kyi on Thursday.
There are currently 90 inmates convicted of political crimes and a further 418 awaiting trial in the country, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma).
Releasing prisoners of conscience held for their involvement in peaceful political activities is one of the priorities of the new government, Thursday's statement said.
This was in line with the long-standing advocacy for those prisoners by her National League for Democracy party, endorsed by the will of the people in the landslide election victory in November, she said.
General prisoner amnesties are fairly common in Myanmar. An amnesty in July for almost 7000 inmates included around 20 political prisoners.
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