Assad declares prisoner amnesty after election win

Syrian President Bashar Assad announced a general amnesty for prisoners in the country, state media reported, less than a week after he was re-elected to another seven-year term amid a bloody civil war.

It was not clear how many — if any — prisoners would be freed by the presidential decree.

The government has issued several limited pardons for various offences since the uprising against Assad began in March 2011 that have largely been seen as an effort to create the image of a compassionate leadership.