More than 9,000 prisoners are being released in Myanmar after the president announced an amnesty on the first day of the traditional New Year.
In a statement posted on his facebook page, President Win Myint said the pardon is "a gesture of marking the Myanmar New Year, for the peace and pleasure of the people, and taking into consideration humanitarian concerns".
He said the process is still on to scrutinise if more prisoners should be added to the pardon list.
Two Reuters reporters jailed for breaking the Official Secrets Act were not among those being pardoned.
1 dead as Typhoon Kalmaegi dumps heavy rains over central Philippines
Saudi Crown Prince bin Salman to visit Trump in White House
Man charged with 10 counts of attempted murder after knife attack on UK train
Tanzania's Hassan sworn into office after deadly election violence
Powerful 6.3 quake kills at least 20 in Afghanistan, hundreds injured
Turkey set to call for action on Gaza as soon as possible, source says
Hamas hands over three more hostage bodies
India federal agency freezes Anil Ambani Group's $853 million properties
