Prison gates crash under Saddam benevolence

Witnesses said scores of prisoners left a prison in Baghdad. ‘‘With our blood and souls we redeem you Saddam,’’ prisoners chanted as they were freed. Overjoyed detainees danced and sang songs praising Saddam.

Other witnesses said inmates were also being released from Abu Gharib jail on the outskirts of the capital, where most political prisoners are believed to be held.

But it was not clear whether Kuwaitis missing since the 1991 Gulf War would be among those freed, and Saddam’s decree excluded those held or sentenced on charges of spying for Israel and the US.

Kuwait and the UN demand Baghdad comply with Security Council resolutions requiring it to account for nearly 600 missing Kuwaitis. Iraq says it does not know their fate.

Emotions ran high as many prisoners were reunited with their families. Relatives, some carrying large pictures of Saddam, flocked to jails in and around the capital to await the release of loved ones. ‘‘May God protect Saddam, I’ll never do wrong again,’’ one jubilant inmate cried.

‘‘This is the best day of my life, long live Saddam,’’ the mother of another prisoner said. Officials said all pardoned prisoners would be released within 48 hours. They gave no figures but the number of freed prisoners was expected to total several thousand.

The amnesty came amid efforts by key members of the UN Security Council to agree on a US compromise resolution on arms inspections in Iraq. Washington had earlier sought a resolution authorising force against Baghdad if it was judged to have impeded weapons inspections.

The amnesty was the first time Saddam has pardoned all political prisoners in his 23-year rule.

The amnesty also covered most criminal prisoners and those held for evading military service. (Reuters)