Myanmar to free hundreds of political prisoners

[JURIST] US Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell [official profile] on Monday indicated Myanmar’s civilian-led government is planning dramatic changes including releasing hundreds of political prisoners and consequential dialogue with and pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi [BBC profile; JURIST news archive]. Journalists, lawyers and democracy advocates are among the detainees to be released and pardoned [AFP report], although no date has been set. Campbell has expressed cautious optimism [BBC report] but indicated reforms must be substantial and enduring. The…