Ruler of Bahrain pardons 20 opposition members in exile

The "Bahrain Liberal Movement" has released a statement in which it announced opposition to the emir's pardon and renewed its demand to pardon all detainees and exiles, to achieve democracy and return the parliament to the country.

On Wednesday, The official Gulf News Agency said that the emir of Bahrain, Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa, had decided to permit the return of 20 opposition members who live in exile in Bahrain.

An emiri decree said the ruler of Bahrain pardoned "20 persons who are living abroad, who asked to return home and vowed to pursue good behavior." The decree added, "This donation by the emir reflects his highness's care for the future of all peoples of this country and his keenness to deal with obstacles made by those who were misled to committing crimes against the homeland," in reference to the opposition members.

Replying to a question asked by the AFP, the Bahraini officials did not disclose the identity of the opposition members who were governed by the pardon.