Syria frees 1,180 prisoners

SYRIA: Syria has released 1,180 prisoners who were arrested during the past few months of unrest in the country.

The prisoners were released on Tuesday, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported.

Earlier on November 5, 553 detainees were also released on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.

Syria has chosen to free the prisoners as part of efforts to end the months-long unrest in the country.

The release of prisoners comes as on Monday, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem censured a decision made by the Arab League (AL) to suspend the country’s membership.

The Syrian foreign minister said that the decision against Damascus was made despite the implementation of measures requested by the AL to end the unrest in the country.

The Arab League announced the suspension of Syria during an emergency session in Cairo on Saturday and called for the imposition of sanctions on Syria.

Muallem described the decision as “illegitimate and dangerous.”

Millions of Syrians took to the streets in several cities across the country on Sunday to condemn the Arab League decision and express their support for the government of President Bashar al-Assad.

Syria has been experiencing unrest since mid-March, with demonstrations being held both against and in support of President Assad.

Hundreds of people, including members of the security forces, have been killed in the turmoil.

Press TV