YANGON: Myanmar on Thursday released 155 Chinese nationals, who were last week jailed for illegal logging, as a “goodwill” gesture following intense lobbying from Beijing in a mass amnesty that also freed several political prisoners.

The announcement comes after the stiff logging sentences sharply raised tensions between the once closely-bonded neighbours whose ties have cooled since Myanmar began emerging from decades of military rule in 2011.

Their release forms part of a mass prisoner amnesty announced on Thursday with authorities ordering the nationwide release of 6,966 detainees, including 210 foreigners, according to a statement on the Ministry of Information website. It said the move hoped to promote “goodwill and is aimed at keeping a friendly relationship between countries”.

Authorities have freed all of the 155 Chinese nationals handed jail sentences for illegal logging in northern Myanmar near the China border, Beijing’s foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said in a statement.

“Myanmar informed China this morning that they will transfer the above-mentioned per­sons tomorrow,” the statement said, adding that there had been “intense communication” between the two nations over the loggers. In Yangon crowds of anxious relatives thronged the gates of the city’s notorious Insein prison where there were tearful reunions with released loved ones.

Beijing was Myanmar’s closest ally during the later years of military rule, providing a shield from international opprobrium and a lifeline as a trading partner for the junta.

Five imprisoned journalists were also among 13 political prisoners set free, according to a tally by the activist group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, which monitors dissidents held in Myanmar’s jails.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2015

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