The Acting President of the National Unity Government Duwa Lashi La in an address to citizens of Myanmar regarding the release of prisoners offered his appreciation but warned many more were unjustly held.

In a speech on 18 November, he had the following to say:

Beloved citizens,

I have some serious remarks on the events of yesterday:

1. To mark Myanmar National Day the terrorist military council released many who had been unjustly detained. I would like to express my sincere joy for those released. However, I would like to remind us all that our President U Win Myint, State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and many of our comrades, heroes of this Spring Revolution, are still being detained and tortured.

2. On the surface the release of political prisoners may seem like an act of mercy. In fact, they are just looking for a way out. We all know this type of ‘amnesty’ is the result of pressure from the Myanmar public and international community.

3. The people released today fought for justice. They should not have been imprisoned in the first place. The military council arrested innocent civilians, brought false charges, and passed summary judgments in unconstitutional courts.

4. This amnesty does not change the fact that the junta arrests, tortures, and kills men, women, and children every day, all across the country. I hope we all, the public and international community, see and understand this. I ask everyone to understand that this amnesty is just a gambit by the military to mask and divert attention from their daily atrocities.

5. Today’s amnesty is a result of the unwavering determination of the people during the Spring Revolution, which has gone on for almost two years now. We have come a long way. However, we have yet to reach our ultimate goal. Therefore, I encourage you to remember we must keep fighting and moving forward.

6. We must not forget our goal. We must remember the past actions of successive military dictators. Throughout Myanmar’s modern history, military rulers have first enticed, then beaten and insulted the public. Even now, the current military dictator entices while sacrificing the public for his own power.

7. I make a strong appeal to the international community. Please continue to put pressure on the terrorist military to release, unconditionally, all those unjustly detained in prisons around Myanmar.

My beloved citizens, I reiterate that our National Unity Government and I will continue to fightuntil we end the military dictatorship in our country. I firmly believe in the collective power of our

citizens. We started this Spring Revolution from zero. We have accomplished so much already. Therefore, I encourage everyone to continue fighting, together. This revolution will win!