(VOVworld) – Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has ordered a general amnesty for a range of prisoners. The pardon includes criminals violating the military service law, including those fleeing from military service obligations. But the SANA News Agency did not specify whether other types of criminals would also be acquitted.

Syria's military criminals will be freed from charge. (Photo: Reuters)

Assad has previously issued several amnesties for non-military crimes.

The move came amidst preparations for the 2^nd Syrian peace conference, known as Geneva II, scheduled for mid November, to end the 31-month civil war in Syria.