Iraq announces amnesty for all prisoners

IRAQ emptied its jails yesterday in an apparent attempt to rally domestic and international support in the face of US determination to topple it.

The government called the amnesty, which includes political prisoners, a way of thanking the nation for re-electing President Saddam Hussein last week in a referendum.

The move to free all political prisoners and most other inmates was seen as part of Saddam Hussein's campaign to rally Iraqis behind his leadership at a time when he faces the prospect of US military action to topple him.