Myanmar junta pardons over 2,000 political prisoners

14 Sept 06:39 Key points summarised by AI

Myanmar's military junta pardoned over 2,000 political prisoners, mostly those jailed under Penal Code 505 (a), to mark a significant Buddhist holiday.
The amnesty brought tearful reunions for families whose loved ones were among the thousands arrested in the sweeping crackdown on dissent since the February 2021 coup.
The pardons were announced during Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang's visit, making him the highest-profile Chinese official to meet the junta chief since the putsch.
Since the coup, over 21,000 people have been arrested and more than 3,400 killed, with Aung San Suu Kyi also detained and sentenced in what human rights groups condemn as sham trials.

Nationwide crackdown launched on illegal nominee shareholders and land holdings

Today 15:20 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul initiated a nationwide crackdown on illegal Thai nominee shareholders in foreign-run businesses and land holdings to safeguard national interests.
The government will integrate efforts across all relevant agencies to target illicit foreign operations, forced sales of illegally acquired property, and high-risk land ownership schemes.
Key strategies include auditing suspect land and building holdings, establishing a long-term monitoring system, and cross-referencing data from various authorities to trace ultimate beneficial owners.
Prime Minister Anutin emphasized that no influential figures or corrupt officials are above the law, promising straightforward prosecution, asset seizures, and protection for enforcing officers.
Beyond land ownership, the integrated crackdown will also extend to tackle transnational crimes, including drug and human trafficking.