Why Myanmar’s token amnesties are ‘no cause for celebration’

Myanmar's military-backed rulers have announced an amnesty for 4,335 prisoners, reducing Aung San Suu Kyi's sentence by a sixth to 18 years from its original 27-year term. The amnesty is the third in six months and comes as Suu Kyi has not been seen in public since her criminal trials ended in December 2022. Former president Win Myint was also among those freed, having been arrested alongside Suu Kyi in the February 2021 coup that brought Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to power. The amnesty is part of a series of moves by the regime aimed at appearing more lenient. Analysts say these gestures suggest the regime is growing bolder rather than becoming more merciful. The move has been met with skepticism from some, who view it as an attempt to improve its international image.