BBC News, 31 May 2011
Syria Crisis
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has issued a decree granting a general amnesty, state media say.
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| The announcement comes amid continuing protests against Bashar al-Assad |
The amnesty would cover political opposition movements, including the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood, the reports said.
President Assad has faced months of protests against his rule.
Authorities have cracked down on demonstrators, killing more than 1,000 people and arresting thousands more, according to human rights groups.
The government has also offered some political concessions, but protesters have dismissed these as largely cosmetic.
Late on Tuesday, state TV repeatedly flashed an "urgent" caption announcing the amnesty.
"President Assad grants a general pardon for the crimes committed before 31 May," it said.
"The pardon includes all those who belong to political movements, including the Muslim Brotherhood."
The announcement came as army forces were reported to be attacking two towns in central Syria where protests have continued.
The BBC's Jim Muir reports from neighbouring Lebanon that the amnesty had been anticipated.
It is also expected that Syrian authorities will launch an attempt at national dialogue in the next few days, he says.
In March, shortly before protests escalated, President Assad issued an amnesty for those convicted of minor crimes and prisoners over the age of 70.
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