DAMASCUS: Syrian authorities have freed for “humanitarian reasons” 366 detainees from Aleppo prison in the north of the country which is under rebel siege, state news agency SANA reported yesterday.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a first group of 10 prisoners were freed on Thursday and more would follow, adding that most prisoners were convicted criminals.
Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al Nusra Front and other Islamist rebel groups fighting to topple President Bashar Al Assad have laid siege to the prison for the past eight months.
“Authorities have released 366 detainees due to the siege imposed by terrorists,” SANA said, referring to the rebels.
Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said from Britain that conditions inside the prison were “horrific” and prisoners were being freed due to outbreaks of diseases, including tuberculosis.
“The evacuation of prisoners began yesterday and the Red Crescent has brought out 10 people. Others will gradually be set free,” he said.
More than 3,000 prisoners are held in the jail, including Islamists, activists and minors. AFP
