Syria's Assad announces 'general amnesty': state TV

Decree issued in context of "social forgiveness, national cohesion, as army secures several military victories."

DAMASCUS: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Monday announced a "general amnesty" for all crimes committed to date, state television said, without giving further details.

The channel cited Justice Minister Najem al-Ahmad as saying the decree was issued in the context of "social forgiveness, national cohesion calls for coexistence, as the army secures several military victories."

It was not immediately clear who would be included in the amnesty.

Rights groups say the Syrian government is holding tens of thousands of prisoners in jails where torture and other abuses are systematic.

Since the outbreak of an anti-Assad revolt in March 2011, the regime has branded all dissidents -- non-violent and later armed -- as "terrorists", jailing thousands arbitrarily, according to human rights organisations.