Burma celebrated the 64th anniversary of its independence from Britain on Wednesday amid criticism that the government’s recent clemency program is not doing enough for political prisoners. In a statement marking independence day, President Thein Sein praised the military’s role in bringing about recent democratic reforms and said Burma is “marching toward a democratic nation […]
Concern About Political Prisoners in Burma
Posted January 4th, 2012 at 9:20 am (UTC-5)
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Burma Celebrates Independence Amid Criticism of Clemency Program
Posted January 4th, 2012 at 5:30 am (UTC-5)
Burma is marking the 64th anniversary of its independence from Britain on Wednesday, amid criticism that the government’s recent clemency program is not doing enough for political prisoners. In a statement commemorating independence day, President Thein Sein praised the military’s role in bringing about the recent democratic reforms, saying Burma is “marching towards a democratic […]
Burma Begins Clemency; Activists Say Not Enough
Posted January 3rd, 2012 at 5:40 pm (UTC-5)
Burma on Tuesday began releasing prisoners as part of a government-ordered clemency program. Family members of inmates gathered with journalists Tuesday outside the notorious Insein prison in Rangoon, waiting for the release of relatives. Rights activists say not enough political prisoners are being freed under the deal signed by President Thein Sein Monday to coincide […]
Burma Begins Clemency, as Activists Express Disappointment
Posted January 3rd, 2012 at 7:15 am (UTC-5)
Burma on Tuesday began releasing prisoners as part of a government-ordered clemency program. But some activists say not enough political prisoners are being freed under the deal. Dozens of family members of inmates gathered Tuesday outside the notorious Insein prison in Rangoon, waiting for the release of their relatives. But many were disappointed the clemency […]
Burma to Reduce Sentences of Some Prisoners
Posted January 2nd, 2012 at 10:30 am (UTC-5)
Burma’s government says it will reduce the sentences of some prisoners on humanitarian grounds. State television and radio announced Monday that President Thein Sein signed a clemency order to mark the country’s 64th anniversary of independence from British colonial rule on Wednesday. The government said some death sentences will be commuted to life imprisonment. Prison […]
Burma to Reduce Sentences of Some Prisoners
Posted January 2nd, 2012 at 8:35 am (UTC-5)
Burma’s government says it will reduce the sentences of some prisoners on humanitarian grounds. State television and radio announced Monday that President Thein Sein signed a clemency order to mark the country’s 64th anniversary of independence. The government said some death sentences will be commuted to life imprisonment. Prison terms above 30 years will be […]
Burma Sets By-Election for April 1, Aung San Suu Kyi Expected to Run
Posted December 30th, 2011 at 10:45 am (UTC-5)
Burma is set to hold a by-election April 1 in a vote in that will test democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party. Burmese government officials, who asked not to be named, informed media organizations of the election date Friday. Forty-eight parliamentary seats will be at stake. The officials said parties […]
Burma Warehouse Explosion Kills 17
Posted December 29th, 2011 at 9:50 am (UTC-5)
An explosion at a warehouse in Burma’s largest city has killed at least 17 people and injured more than 100. Authorities said firefighters were fighting a blaze in the Rangoon warehouse district before dawn Thursday when the explosion occurred. Conflicting reports said the building was housing gunpowder, chemicals or medical equipment. The French news agency […]
Burma Warehouse Explosion Kills 17
Posted December 29th, 2011 at 2:25 am (UTC-5)
A large explosion at a warehouse in Burma’s largest city, Rangoon, has killed at least 17 people and injured about 80 others. Witnesses reported a loud blast early Thursday at what appeared to be a medical warehouse in an industrial district of eastern Rangoon. Officials say the explosion triggered a fire that quickly spread to […]
15 Killed in Burma Warehouse Explosion
Posted December 28th, 2011 at 8:50 pm (UTC-5)
At least 15 people were killed and more than 50 others injured in a warehouse explosion in Burma’s largest city, Rangoon, early Thursday. Witnesses report a loud explosion at a state-owned warehouse in an eastern Rangoon suburb. They said fire spread to nearby buildings. It was not immediately clear what caused the blast. Firefighters have […]
