Myanmar's military government announced the release of 5,864 prisoners, including 180 foreign nationals, as part of an amnesty marking the country's Independence Day celebrations, state media reported on Saturday.

The gesture comes as Myanmar remains mired in political turmoil following the military coup in February 2021. The overthrow of the elected civilian government led to a violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests and triggered a nationwide armed rebellion.

Despite the announcement of elections slated for this year, opposition groups have widely dismissed the plan as illegitimate. They argue the process lacks credibility under the junta's oppressive rule.

Notably absent from the list of those to be freed is Nobel laureate and former civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The 79-year-old remains incarcerated, serving a cumulative 27-year sentence on 14 charges, including incitement, election fraud, and corruption. Suu Kyi has consistently denied all charges, which her lawyers describe as politically motivated.

Human rights organizations and international observers continue to criticize the junta's actions, urging the release of all political prisoners and a return to democratic governance in Myanmar.