In response to the appeal by the Syrian Democratic Council (MSD) at the end of March for the release of prisoners in Syria and on the recommendation of the "Committee for the investigation of the whereabouts of the abducted and arrested persons" founded by the MSD on April 4, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria reassessed the situation in the prisons.

Chronically ill and injured prisoners, and those who have only a small remaining sentence ahead of them and do not represent any danger, are now to be released. In its decision, the Autonomous Administration also refers to the UN's call for prisoners to be released from prison in view of the threat of a large-scale spread of the Coronavirus pandemic.

"On the initiative of the MSD and the UN call for the release of prisoners, a decision has been taken in accordance with the legislation of the Autonomous Administration to protect prisoners from the coronavirus pandemic. Taking into account international legislation and human rights, prisoners with a small residual sentence and those on remand with good conduct, chronic illness or injury will be released," says a statement by the autonomous administration published today.