Syrian government released 672 detainees for ‘reconciliation’

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Syria's government said on Saturday 672 detainees who had promised to accept the state's authority were released as a move to bolster a "reconciliation" process.

According to state-run SANA news agency, Justice Minister Hisham Al-Shaar said the prisoners were released after "promising not to do anything against the nation's security or stability."

He said most of the prisoners were from Damascus but there were others from across Syria, indicating the release was not linked to a particular deal regarding one rebel-held area.

Syrian government stays silent on why hundreds were detained at all. /AFP Screenshot

"There are 588 people from Damascus, including 91 women. They can go back to their homes. The remaining people are also free to go,” the minister said.

SANA did not say why the detainees were in prison in the first place, but some told Reuters they were arrested for actions they took against the government.

Family reunions are especially sweet in Syria, a nation that’s been torn apart by six years of war./AFP Screenshot

Syria's opposition said reconciliation deals were forced on areas after prolonged sieges and intense bombardment. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said he sees them as a way to reduce fighting, and bring to an end the six-year conflict.

The opposition, Western countries and rights groups said the government has detained tens of thousands of Syrians without trial for political reasons, torturing and killing thousands of them. Assad and his government have denied that.

(Sources: AFP and Reuters)