Burma has released five prisoners following a presidential pardon announced by the government, and more are expected to be freed next week.
President Thein Sein granted a pardon to those convicted of or charged with a variety of political offenses, such as unlawful association, high treason, contempt of government and violations of the peaceful assembly law, the New York Times reports.
According to the report, there are about 40 remaining political prisoners and 200 activists, who are facing trial under political charges.
However, it is still unclear how many of them will enjoy the newly announced step by the government.
Since Sein became president in 2011, he has freed about 1,300 political prisoners, the report added.
Most international sanctions against Burma have been relaxed since then, the report added.