MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Some 7,000 prisoners, including recently convicted 155 Chinese loggers, received pardon from the government of Myanmar, Metro Radio Hong Kong reported Thursday.
Earlier in July, Myanmar sentenced 153 Chinese people to life in prison and two loggers to 10 years in jail for illegal border crossing and logging.
Myanmar President U Thein Sein has signed the order for immediate release of 6,966 prisoners, including 210 foreigners, the broadcaster reported, citing senior government officials of Myanmar.
According to the broadcaster, Chinese loggers are expected to return home by the end of the day.
China-Myanmar border is a troubled region for Myanmar due to timber smuggling.