Myanmar junta pardons actor jailed for dissent

Paing Takhon (centre) seen in a file photo attending a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon on Feb 17, 2021. - AFP

YANGON (AFP) - A leading Myanmar actor, singer and model jailed for supporting pro-democracy protests has been pardoned and released, his legal team said on Wednesday (March 2).

Paing Takhon, 25 -- a star in both Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand -- had been active in the mass protests that rocked the country following last year's coup, leading rallies and advocating through his massive social media following.