Release of Prisoners a Token Gesture

So, we have to be very clear that these political prisoners are released unconditionally,” she said.

Some observers also pointed out that the junta deliberately ignored the major issue of releasing Aung San Suu Kyi and ethnic political leaders. They said that the regime wanted to keep Suu Kyi out of the picture ahead the 2010 election.

“Of course, for the individual political prisoners and their families, they are happy that they [the prisoners] are released. But for the future of the country, the SPDC should release all the political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the ethnic leaders,” said Stothard.

A veteran journalist based in Rangoon said that the release is very welcome news for family members who were waiting to see their loved ones. “They are unjustly charged and detained,” he said.

When asked whether the move will win hearts and minds in the international community, the senior reporter replied bluntly that only the governments in the West, Asean and the UN “will be fooled into welcoming the regime’s gestures, because they are naïve.”

While the Burmese regime holds more than 2,000 political prisoners, it shows no sign of loosening its grip. Meanwhile, a crackdown on dissidents is continuing.

Last week, seven Burmese activists and five Buddhist monks were detained in Myingyan Township in Mandalay by Burmese military authorities.

As Buddhist monks called for peaceful marches in the coming weeks, the regime increased its security around Rangoon.

Many of the political prisoners who have been released vowed to continue to fight injustice even though they were locked up for years.

It seems no matter how often the regime offers amnesties, Burma’s jails will never be empty of political dissidents.