Myanmar ? Myanmar’s military government freed nearly 3,000 prisoners Wednesday, including about 20 political prisoners, according to media reports and a human rights group.

The state-controlled New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported that 2,831 prisoners “whose moral behavior and spiritual values have improved and changed for the better” were freed ahead of the 59th anniversary of Myanmar’s independence from Britain.

Prison department officials in Yangon said prominent political prisoners such as detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, her party deputy Tin Oo or prominent journalist Win Tin were not among those released.

The United Nations and human rights groups estimate the junta is holding more than 1,100 political prisoners.