PATHEIN: Cases against scores of Rohingya Muslims detained after fleeing Myanmar's restive Rakhine state have been dropped, as fears grow of a potential COVID-19 outbreak in the country's overcrowded prisons.
A military crackdown in 2017 forced about 750,000 Rohingya to escape to Bangladesh, where they languish in sprawling refugee cities.
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Those who remain in Rakhine live under tight restrictions with little access to healthcare and education, unable to move freely in conditions Amnesty International has branded "apartheid".
For years many have taken to boats and buses to escape.
READ: Prisoners around the world dread COVID-19 outbreak in race against time
But in recent months hundreds have been caught and detained in prisons – charged with breaching immigration laws, offences which carry up to two years in jail.
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On Wednesday (Apr 8), a court suddenly dropped cases against two of the largest groups of arrested Rohingya, totalling 128 people.
"Charges against both adults and children are withdrawn and they are to be released," judge Khin Myat Myat Htun told Pathein court in Ayeyarwady Region.
An AFP reporter confirmed four buses carrying the Rohingya and bound for Yangon left Pathein prison early Thursday morning.
READ: COVID-19 could spread faster in camps than on ships: NGO
Scores more are set to be released by other courts and sent back to Rakhine, a Rohingya activist told AFP.
"In total about 250 Rohingya are likely to be sent back on Saturday," he said, asking not to be named for security reasons.
It is unclear where the Rohingya will be taken in Rakhine and authorities have not yet given the reason for their sudden liberation.
Next week is Myanmar's New Year, however, when the president often grants amnesties to prisoners.
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