Iraq Pardons Political Prisoners
BAGHDAD, Iraq — President Saddam Hussein pardoned all political prisoners and exiles except military officers Sunday, the official Iraqi news agency INA said.
The ruling Revolution Command Council, in a statement signed by Hussein, said it declared the amnesty because Iraq is moving toward a new phase “based on popular participation in government and political pluralism,†the agency reported.
“All legal measures against them whether inside or outside Iraq will be stopped,†it added.
The Iraqi Parliament has passed a law allowing some opposition parties to compete with the ruling Arab Baath Socialist Party.
The amnesty covers political prisoners inside Iraqi jails, political opponents inside and outside the country and army deserters but not officers in the armed forces, INA said.
The amnesty for deserters was first issued in March, covering troops who left their units during the Persian Gulf War.
The agency did not say how many people will be affected by the amnesty.
The Baghdad government is also negotiating with Kurdish rebels who want the release of Kurdish political prisoners.
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