Tunisia releases 31 Islamic prisoners

Tunisia has released 31 prisoners, members from the banned Islamic al-Nahda movement, in a step which was greatly welcomed as being constructive towards achieving a detente in the crisis with the opposition.

The spokesman for the movement Ali al-Areed said that among the released persons were young men convicted of using banned Internet sites and others convicted for provoking for a coupe.

The government which ever denies holding any political detainees, has not announced the number of released persons, on the occasion of the 18 anniversary of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali assuming power in the country.

Analysts consider that this step is a big opening by the authorities to the opposition which demands releasing from jail all political prisoners.

This decision comes at a time when eyes are focused on Tunisia which will host in the middle of this month a world summit on the Internet and freedom of information, while 8 lawyers continue an open hunger strike for the 17th running day demanding more freedom for the immediate release of prisoners of opinion.