On Saturday, to mark the 77th anniversary of independence from Britain, Myanmar’s military government released about 6,000 prisoners and reduced the sentences of others. However, there was no sign that Aung San Suu Kyi or political detainees were included in the amnesty. The mass release of prisoners is common on holidays and significant occasions in Myanmar. Since the military coup in 2021, the junta has arrested 28,096 people on political charges, with 21,499 still in detention. At least 6,106 civilians have been killed by security forces. The military government has promised to hold elections this year, but opposition groups have criticized the move as a sham.