Al-Assad Pardons 312 detainees in north east Syria riots

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad pardoned 312 detainees who participated in riots and sabotages that took place in the north east Syria in March 2004.

"The move comes in the framework of a presidential amnesty based on cementing the national link that forms the basis of the Syrian society and to protect its security and stability" a presidential statement said on Wednesday.

The measure comes as part of a series of similar procedures that Syria recently adopted to enhance tolerance course and strengthen the national unity.