YANGON, Myanmar — Myanmar's reformist president granted a pardon Monday to people convicted of or charged with a variety of political offenses, an apparent effort to fulfill his pledge to free all political prisoners by the end of this year. It wasn't immediately clear how many people are covered by President Thein Sein's pardon, which was announced on state television. The pardon covers people convicted of or charged with unlawful association, high treason, contempt of government and violation of the peaceful assembly law. In addition to freeing those convicted of such crimes, the decree halted all ongoing trials and investigations on those charges. “There are about 40 remaining political prisoners and 200 activists who are facing trial under political charges, but it is difficult to guess how many will enjoy the pardon this time,” said Ye Aung, a former political prisoner and member of the government's political prisoner scrutinizing committee. Technically, the pardon may not cover all prisoners the committee lists as political detainees because some were convicted of other crimes, such as murder and desertion. Ye Aung said only when it is learned who has actually been freed will it be clear whether all political prisoners were covered. Since Thein Sein became president, he has freed about 1,300 political prisoners, Ye Aung said. — AP
