An earlier report had stated that just six protesters had been arrested on November 26—less than three days before a bloody crackdown by riot police on monks and activists at the copper mine site in Sagaing Division.

Aung Thein, the lawyer for two of the activists, is reported as saying that all eight were freed on Tuesday but face trial on December 24 on charges of inciting unrest.

They were originally denied bail on the charge, which carries a maximum sentence of two years' imprisonment.