Protesters holding National League for Democracy (NLD) flags and raising three-finger salutes shout slogans during flash protests against the military coup at Bahan township in Yangon, Myanmar, on June 25, 2021. (AP Photo)

       YANGON (Kyodo) -- Myanmar's military announced Wednesday that about 2,300 people, mostly those detained for participating in anti-coup demonstrations, will be released.

       About 720 of them have been incarcerated at Insein Prison in Yangon, the country's largest city.

       The reason for their release has not been clarified.

       According to the human rights group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, an estimated 5,224 people have been detained nationwide as of Tuesday for protesting against the Feb. 1 military coup that ousted the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.

       State-run media also reported that the security authorities have decided not to prosecute 24 celebrities who joined the so-called civil disobedience movement and were accused of inciting social unrest.

       In addition to actors and models, the popular singer Mary Sou, who grew up in Japan, is included.

       The authorities were said to be preparing a priority list to withdraw charges against those protesters who were arrested and charged during Feb. 1 to June 20 period.

       Font Size S M L Print Timeline 0