Thousands of Islamists wait pardon in Algeria

Algerian sources said that the authorities gave instructions for starting the implementation of executive texts for national reconciliation which will include 2000 persons who carried weapons among Islamists or those who offered assistance to them.

The pardon will be valid if these individuals were not involved in mass massacres or blowing up public places or rape incidents.

The executive texts came after the reconciliation proposal made by the Algerian President Butaflika in a referendum in September 2005 that received the support of more than 90% of the votes.

The pardon, being complete or partial, will reduce penalties and include those who are still fighting in the mountains if they surrender within 6 months under the pretext of not committing the aforesaid crimes. It also includes those who are jailed and gave logistic support for the armed groups.

The Algerian daily Liberty quoted an important official at the Algerian ministry of justice saying that the death penalty sentences will be reduced to life imprisonment, estimating the number of detainees suspected to belong to the armed groups at 3,000 persons.