Universal amnesty in Syria

The Syrian authorities have announced a universal amnesty, SANA reports.

President Bashar Al-Assad signed a decree on March 7, 2011.
The initiative does not concern grave crimes, including drug trafficking. It is dedicated to the 48th anniversary of the Revolution of 8th March.

It is the second amnesty to be announced by Assad since he came to power in June 2000. The previous amnesty was held on February 23, 2010.