Syria

Syria begins releasing prisoners after amnesty

366403_Syrian-prisoners

Syria begins releasing prisoners from government jails under a general amnesty announced by President Bashar al-Assad.

The prisoner release started on Monday.

Sources say dozens of inmates have been freed from Adra prison since the decree was issued and more are to be released later in the day.

This comes after Syrian President al-Assad issued a decree granting general amnesty for all crimes except acts of terrorism.

Under the decree, those who deserted from the army will be forgiven if they hand themselves in within three months.

Meanwhile, Syria’s justice minister has said the decree is aimed at boosting national unity and improving coexistence in the society.

He added that the amnesty was announced at a time when the Syrian army has been making more gains against foreign-backed militants.

“[It comes] against the backdrop of the victories by the Syrian army,” media outlets quoted Justice Minister Najem al-Ahmad as saying.
Syria has been gripped by violence since 2011. Damascus blames the US and its regional allies for fueling the flames of the crisis in the Arab country.

According to reports, Western powers and their regional allies – especially Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey – are supporting the militants operating inside Syria.

In relevant remarks, the Syrian president said prior to the landmark presidential election that the clout of supporters of terrorists operating inside Syria is in decline and that in the wake of the June 3 presidential election, Western sponsors of terrorists will lose their power.

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