Myanmar political prisoners freed after European Union lifts sanctions

NAYPYITAW, Myanmar, April 23 (UPI) -- At least 56 political prisoners were freed in Myanmar after the European Union lifted sanctions against the country Monday, human rights activists said.

Zaw Moe, among those freed, told the British Broadcasting Corp. the releases were directly connected to the move by the EU.

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has freed hundreds of political detainees since President Thein Sein took office in 2011. His administration announced a review of all politically related incarceration cases in November 2012, the BBC said.

Bo Kyi of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said, "More than 200 political prisoners are still in prison" in Myanmar.