By Nabil Al Mulhem
Damascus
Preparations are underway in Syria for an expected amnesty that will include political prisoners and detainees, according to sources, who added the pardon will be announced after Bashar Assad is sworn in as new president on July! 7th.
Unofficial information estimates the number of political inmates in Syria’s prisons at 3500.
The period between 1998-1999 witnessed releases of many opposition figures who were under arrest or convicted of political charges. Those include members of the banned Communist Action Association, Syrian Communist Party (Politburo) and the Muslim Brotherhood.
Political detainees also comprise a number of the Islamic Liberation Party, human rights activists and supporters of Bashar’s banished uncle, Rifa’t Assad.
The sources, who asked to remain unnamed, revealed that a dialogue between the government and opposition will be launched, with the Islamists as a start.
There have been reports on mediation between the Syrian Islamists and government, undertaken by Arab parties including Jordan’s King Abdullah II – Albawaba.com
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
