Myanmar says it will release more than 5,000 prisoners who were jailed for protesting against February’s coup.
Thousands of people were detained during bloody demonstrations after military leaders seized power.
Leader of Myanmar Gen Aung Hlaing cited humanitarian reason for the release of the 5,636 prisoners.
It comes days after the general was not include in the annual summit of regional leaders, who said the military had not done enough to end the turmoil.
The Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) agreed to invite a non-political representative from Myanmar instead of Gen Min Aung Hlaing.
According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, at least 1,178 people were killed and 7,355 arrested, charged or sentenced during a crackdown on dissent that followed Aung Sun Suu Kyi being ousted from power.
Gen Min Aung Hlaing said the prisoners would be released to mark the Buddhist holiday Thadingyut in October.
