Burma President urged to free prisoners posing 'no threat'

A government-appointed human rights body has appealed to the Burmese president to release prisoners who are not a threat to stability, state media reported yesterday.

Burma's three state-owned newspapers ran the appeal by National Human Rights Commission chairman Win Mra calling on President Thein Sein to issue a general amnesty. Publication of the appeal is significant because the newspapers closely reflect government thinking. However, previous calls for a general amnesty for inmates considered political prisoners have not resulted in a full release.

Kyi Kyi Nyunt said she will only believe rumours of a general amnesty once her brother, former student leader Min Ko Naing, returns home. He is serving a 65-year prison term.

AP