The timing of todays’ statement is not coincidental. Coming days after the terrorist-like SAC’s rightful rejection by ASEAN.

Since the coup, documentation by AAPP, civil society and independent media has shown that junta “mass prison releases” have never been of the sort. In fact, the military uses these announcements as a form of distraction for the foreign governments. The junta will continue to refuse being transparent about the individual persons released, and who remains detained.

Released prisoners from 18 October may include some political prisoners, but the intention is not to relax repression. The released “demonstrators” were practicing the fundamental right to free assembly against an illegitimate coup attempt. None have been granted a fair trial, all were arbitrary detained, physically and mentally tortured in interrogation. 131 have been tortured to death in this way. Apologies are essential, as is taking responsibility for the rehabilitation of all the at least 9028 detained pro-democracy supporters since the coup.

If the junta wanted to make concessions, State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint and all political prisoners would be released unconditionally, and the democratically elected leaders re-installed to their the positions.

In Solidarity,

AAPP

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