Audio By Carbonatix
Former Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been pardoned in five of 19 charges brought against her by the military.
The pardon, part of a seasonal amnesty, will reduce her 33-year jail sentence by six years.
Former president Win Myint, who was ousted along with Ms Suu Kyi, also received a reduced jail sentence after getting two of his charged pardoned.
Periodic amnesties have been announced before, but this is the first time they have included Ms Suu Kyi and Mr Myint.
The military junta has made other concessions in what appears to be an effort to revive stalled diplomacy efforts.
Last week, Ms Suu Kyi was moved from prison to house arrest in the capital Nay Pyi Taw.
The 78-year-old Nobel laureate has been detained by the military since February 2021 following the coup that ousted her.
The coup triggered civil war in the country, and has led to the deaths of thousands of people.
The military junta has also been accused of unleashing disproportionate violence against those opposing its rule.
Some countries, notably China and Thailand, have started a dialogue with the junta, but these initiatives have been criticised for excluding Ms Suu Kyi's party which won a huge majority in 2020 elections.
The extent of the win led the military to allege election fraud - which they then used as a justification for the coup.
Any negotiations of a compromise with the international community would almost certainly require the involvement of Ms. Suu Kyi.
She has, however, been kept isolated since her arrest after the coup. Almost no news had emerged about her condition for more than two years.
Ms Suu Kyi is appealing the convictions to the other offences, which ranges from election fraud to corruption,
All the charges - which she has denied - were brought against her in closed-door, military-run trials. Rights groups have condemned the court trials as a sham.
The military junta on Monday postponed an election promised to be held by August this year following its coup two years ago.
Latest Stories
-
‘I’m still a bit traumatised’ – Martin Kpebu recounts alleged abuse during OSP arrest
3 minutes -
Martin Kpebu denies verbally abusing OSP officers, says allegations are fabricated
4 minutes -
Mahama arrives in Doha for 2025 Doha Forum engagements
34 minutes -
Milo U13 Champs: Ahafo’s Adrobaa set for thrilling final with Franko International of Western North
3 hours -
Ghana’s HIV crisis: Stigma drives new infections as AIDS Commission bets on AI and six-month injectables
4 hours -
First Ladies unite in Accra to champion elimination of mother-to-child HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B transmission
4 hours -
US Supreme Court agrees to hear case challenging birthright citizenship
5 hours -
Notorious Ashaiman robber arrested in joint police operation
6 hours -
Judge sets key dates after video evidence hurdle in Nana Agradaa appeal case
7 hours -
Who are favourites to win the 2026 World Cup?
7 hours -
Galamsey crisis spiritual, not just economic; Pulpit and policy intervention needed – Prof. Frimpong-Manso
7 hours -
We will come after you – Muntaka warns online fearmongers
7 hours -
Forestry office attack: Suspected gang leader arrested, two stolen cars recovered
8 hours -
How Asamoah Gyan reacted after Ghana was paired with England, Croatia, and Panama for the 2026 World Cup
9 hours -
Ghana Armed Forces opens 2025/2026 intake for military academy
9 hours
