Myanmar Military Releases Jailed Japanese Journalist
Myanmar's military has released a Japanese journalist from prison. The Japanese embassy in Myanmar confirmed Kubota Toru's flight has departed from the country.
Kubota had been facing a 10-year sentence for incitement and violating a telecommunications law after a military court found him guilty last month. He had been detained by security authorities in Yangon for filming protests against the junta while on a tourist visa.
The junta has arrested more than 16,000 people since seizing power, as part of its violent crackdown on dissent.
State-run media say thousands of prisoners are set to go free on Myanmar National Day. Video footage showed newly freed inmates emerging from a prison in the largest city of Yangon, where they were reunited with their families and friends who came to greet them.
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu said on Thursday afternoon that Kubota was set to come back to Japan on Friday, and was in good health.
Matsuno said, "The Japanese government, including the Ambassador to Myanmar, has repeatedly and strongly demanded that Mr. Kubota be released as soon as possible. Myanmar explained that his release is because of a strong request from the Japanese government."
Kubota is one of four foreigners receiving amnesty. They include Australian economist Sean Turnell, who had served as an advisor to Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and was accused of violating the state secrets law.
Former UK ambassador to Myanmar Vicky Bowman and her pro-democracy activist husband, Htein Lin, will also be pardoned.