Syrian President Announces Sweeping 'General Amnesty' for Prisoners

Syrian citizens holding photos depicting President Bashar al-Assad as they gather to celebrate his victory in presidential elections, in Latakia province, Syria, 05 June 2014. Photo by EPA/SANA HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad announced on Monday a 'general amnesty' for all crimes committed to date, the country's state television said, cited by international media.

The decree was issued in the context of "social forgiveness, national cohesion calls for coexistence, as the army secures several military victories," the channel said, quoting Justice Minister Najem al-Ahmad.

The regulation on general amnesty was one of the main action points of Assad's election program and is considered an important step towards national dialogue initiated by the Syrian leadership.

It still remains unclear, however, to whom the amnesty would apply.

Bashar al-Assad has announced a limited amnesty which concerned people arrested for participating in anti-government street rallies in 2012, an amnesty for desertion and evasion of military service in 2013, as well as a general amnesty April 16, Itar-Tass reminds.

Bashar al-Assad has won Syria's presidential election by a landslide on June 4, securing a third seven-year as head of state amid a civil war engulfing the country. Al-Assad won the Syrian presidential election with 88.7% of the vote.

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