Syria to Free 553 Prisoners to Honor Muslim Eid al-Adha

Syrian government on Saturday released a total of 553 detainees who have been arrested during the recent unrests in the country.

After eight-month turbulence, Damascus accepted an Arab League peace plan to put an end on recent conflicts, releasing 553 imprisoned people, Press TV reported.

According to SANA, Syria released protesters to cherish Eid al-Adha, the Muslim feast. "On the occasion of (Eid) al-Adha, 553 people arrested during the events in Syria and whose hands are not stained by blood, have been freed," it said.

The AL plan was endorsed on Nov. 2, calling for ending violence, releasing arrested protesters and, launching a dialogue between the Syrian authorities and the opposition, Xinhua reported.

Syria has been witnessing anti-government protests since mid-March. According to the government, armed gangs and foreign elements are responsible for unrest in the country. While Syrian government tries to push reforms forward, organized attacks by armed gangs disturb the process. Last week thousands of Syrian people came to the streets and declared their support for ruling government.