The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) has welcomed the release of some political detainees, including democratically elected President Win Myint, National League for Democracy lawmaker Dr. Tin Min Htut, filmmaker Shin Daewi, and several other political prisoners on Myanmar New Year’s Day.

However, the group stressed that these releases cannot erase the military council’s ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity being committed across the country.

AAPP noted that even during the Thingyan holiday period, airstrikes, killings of civilians, and the burning of villages have continued.

The statement said the release of some prisoners appears to be an attempt by the military council and its affiliates to cover up the crimes they are committing.

AAPP also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, if there is any genuine intention to achieve peace and stability.

In addition, the group urged that elected representatives from the 2020 general election be allowed to resume their original duties.

Without such actions, AAPP said, prisoner releases alone will not contribute to a genuine democratic transition.

The group further warned that the releases may not represent true freedom, as many former detainees could still face ongoing restrictions and surveillance.

Released prisoners may also encounter difficulties returning home and face continued security risks, especially those transferred to prisons far from their hometowns or those returning to conflict-affected areas.

Young political prisoners, in particular, may face uncertainty and fear due to the military conscription law, AAPP added.

AAPP urged revolutionary forces to remain united in order to overcome the current situation.