Over 16,500 Syrian Deserters Granted Amnesty Under Presidential Decree - Military Justice

More than 16,500 Syrians who evaded their military duties, including among refugees and former members of illegal armed groups, have been granted amnesty under President Bashar Assad's decree since October, the head of the Syrian military justice department, Mohammed Kenjo Hassan, said

DAMASCUS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 14th December, 2018) More than 16,500 Syrians who evaded their military duties, including among refugees and former members of illegal armed groups, have been granted amnesty under President Bashar Assad's decree since October, the head of the Syrian military justice department, Mohammed Kenjo Hassan, said.

Earlier in December, the Russian Defense Ministry's Center for Syrian reconciliation said that roughly 15,400 deserters had been pardoned under the decree as of December 7.

"Amnesty has been granted since the day the decree entered into force � starting from October 9, 2018 .

.. As of now, more than 16,500 soldiers who have deserted from their military units during the war have been granted amnesty," Hassan told reporters.

According to the official, deserters who are currently residing in Syria can apply for the amnesty within four months after the decree entered into force, while those living abroad have up to six months.

Hassan added that all amnesty cases were processed within 24 hours, with an average of 100 cases dealt with every day.