Myanmar to release 25,000 prisoners amid virus fears

A health worker sprays disinfectant as people gather outside Insein prison waiting for the release of prisoners after Myanmar government announced the release almost 25,000 prisoners in an amnesty to mark the traditional New Year amid the outbreak of Covid-19 in Yangon, Myanmar April 17, 2020. - Reuters

YANGON (AFP): More than a quarter of Myanmar's prison population is to be released, the president's office announced Friday (April 17), as calls grow to ease pressure on overcrowded jails with coronavirus fears gripping the country.

The South-east Asian nation grants an annual amnesty to thousands of prisoners to mark its April New Year holiday, but this is the largest ever recorded.