3 Myanmar dissidents reportedly freed

YANGON, Myanmar, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- Myanmar authorities have released three prominent pro-democracy dissidents taken into custody following recent protests, it was reported Wednesday.

The BBC said it had learned the prominent comedian Zagana, the actor Kyaw Thu and his wife, whose name was not given, had been freed.

Before the three were released, Myanmar authorities issued a statement through the media that they were continuing their efforts to question protesters and their supporters.

"Those who led, got involved in and supported the unrest which broke out in September were called in and are being interrogated," they said in the statement, which was carried on the front page of The New Light of Myanmar newspaper. "Some are still being called in for questioning and those who should be released will be."

Nearly 3,000 people were detained and nearly 500 were still being held, the BBC reported.

Meanwhile, the BBC said Ibrahim Gambari, the United Nations envoy to Myanmar, said he has been invited to return to the country next month.