Emir of Bahrain pardons a group of security criminals

The emir of Bahrain, Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa, has released a pardon for a group of detained persons who were involved in "security crimes against the society during the acts of violence took place in the country during the past years."

The pardon also covered another group of convicted people, who were convicted in criminal cases.

Reports from Manama said the pardon covered 320 arrested persons, 41 persons who are already sentenced and 12 persons who are outside the country and permitted to return after they pledge to abide by the laws and to maintain good conduct.

This is the first pardon released by the new ruler since he assumed power following the death of his father, Sheikh Issa Bin Salman al-Khaleifa, on March 6, 1999.