Facebook poster Patrick Kum Ja Lee freed after serving sentence

02 April 2016
Facebook poster Patrick Kum Ja Lee freed after serving sentence
Patrick Kum Ja Lee and his family in front of Insein prison after he was released from jail on 1 April, 2016. Photo: May Sabe Phyu/Facebook

Patrick Kum Ja Lee, jailed for six months for putting a post on Facebook said to be offensive to the military chief, was released yesterday after serving his sentence.
According to agency reports, Patrick Kum Ja Lee's release happened on schedule and he was not ordered freed by the new government.
His release, which coincidentally happened on the day the new government began work, is said to be a reminder to the new administration that there are scores of other political prisoners still in jail. Many are supporters of Aung San Suu Kyi, the force behind the new government.
"I've seen many political activists who are imprisoned by the oppressive laws of the previous government," said Patrick Kum Ja Lee as he walked out of the prison gates, according to Associated Press. "I want the new government to be able to release all the political prisoners."