Myanmar freed more than 600 coup detainees on Wednesday, including an Associated Press photographer arrested while covering rallies, following fresh outrage over brutal crackdowns on protesters.

In commercial hub Yangon, AP photographer Thein Zaw, 32 -- who was arrested last month while covering a protest -- was freed from Insein prison.

"I'm now on my way back home to meet with my mum. I'm in good health," Thein Zaw told AFP.

"The police officer who sued me withdrew his charge -- that's why they released me unconditionally."

The AP's vice president for international news Ian Phillips said the agency was "deeply relieved" at Thein Zaw's release.

He had been charged with "spreading false news", along with five other journalists who were arrested the same day and are still in custody.

© AFP