Myanmar pardons nearly 7,000 prisoners in second amnesty

Myanmar President Win Myint has pardoned nearly 7,000 prisoners in addition to thousands released earlier this month.

In a statement, the president said he granted unconditional amnesty to 6,948 prisoners around the country "to bring delight to the citizens of Myanmar and taking into consideration humanitarian concerns."

More cases were being scrutinised for possible pardons, he added.

This comes as more than 9,000 prisoners were released on April 17.

Meanwhile, Myanmar's Supreme Court rejected the final appeal of journalists, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo and upheld their seven-year jail term.