Seven inmates at Insein and Obo Prisons who passed this year’s matriculation exams had what was probably the best ever start to their week. On Monday morning, the students were informed that due to their hard work, they had been granted amnesty and released from jail.
Five of the students were serving time at Mandalay’s Obo Prison, and the other two at Insein Prison. They were granted amnesty under conditions regulated by Section 401(a) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Speaking to The Voice yesterday, Obo Prison Superintendent Cho Win Tun confirmed: “We released the five kids who passed with distinctions back to their parents just this morning. They were also due to receive cash rewards for their hard work, and were able to take the money back home with them as well.”
“By granting them amnesty, we think it’ll motivate the other students [who are still serving time] to work harder,” added Cho Win Tun.
According to Insein Prison Deputy Director Myo Oo, this is the first time that students have been released for passing the matriculation exams.
One of the students who was serving at Insein Prison still had over a year left on his sentence, while the other had over two years left.
“When they said we were being released, I thought it was a dream. I didn’t expect this at all. I only believed it when my sisters told me,” Shun Lae Wai Kyaw, a student serving at Obo Prison who garnered three distinctions, told 7Day.
A total of 11 inmates at Obo prison were allowed to take the nationwide matriculation exam, which determines entry into university. Of the 11, seven passed, with five of them earning distinctions.
Acknowledging that the amnesty was only given to students who passed with distinctions, Shun Lae Wai Kyaw added: “I feel sad for my friends who took the exam with me and didn’t get any distinctions.”
However, the 19-year-old is looking forward to her newfound freedom, and is especially excited about continuing her education. She said: “Now that I can attend outside universities, I want to enroll at the University of Economics and become a tutor.”
We have nothing to add but another round of big congratulations to the seven students!
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