Myanmar's leader Min Aung Hlaing has pardoned 4,335 prisoners, including former president Win Myint, in one of his first official acts since becoming civilian president this month.The pardon order also includes a reduction in the jail sentence of Aung San Suu Kyi, the country's detained former leader.The amnesty was announced on April 17, 2026, and includes the commutation of all death sentences to life imprisonment.Additionally, life sentences have been reduced to 40 years, and other prison terms have been cut by one-sixth.Win Myint, detained since the 2021 military coup, was granted a pardon and a reduction of his remaining sentences... [Continue Reading]
A boat carrying Rohingya and Bangladeshi migrants capsized last week in the Andaman Sea, leaving about 250 people missing, according to United Nations refugee and migration agencies.The vessel had departed from Bangladesh and was headed for Malaysia when it reportedly sank due to heavy winds, rough seas, and overcrowding.The Bangladesh Coast Guard rescued nine survivors from the boat on 9 April.The missing include men, women, and children, highlighting the vulnerability of those undertaking dangerous sea journeys.One survivor, Rafiqul Islam, described floating for nearly 36 hours before being rescued and suffering burns from spilled oil.He said the promise of employment in... [Continue Reading]