The mass amnesty granted to 5,774 political prisoners including four prominent foreigners is aimed at improving the junta’s relationship with Western countries, according to observers
The ousted civilian leader has been convicted on corruption charges by a military-appointed court. A Japanese journalist and two models have also been detained in recent weeks.
Most are held in deplorable conditions and face certain conviction at trial. Rights groups say the Southeast Asian nation now has the worst human rights conditions in the region.