But the news barely moves the needle for freedom of expression in the country, analysts and activists said.

By the numbers: Twenty-five political prisoners are still behind bars and 283 others are facing trial, according to one advocacy group.

Context: Myanmar emerged from decades-long military rule in 2015 but has since been run by an awkward power-sharing agreement between the military and elected civilian leaders.

The civilian government leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has frequently sided with the military even as it carried out what the U.N. called genocide against the Rohingya.

White House ramps up clash with Congress

The Trump administration stepped in to stop Donald McGahn, the former White House counsel, from sharing documents with congressional investigators and suggested that the president could assert executive privilege over the records.