BAGHDAD, Oct 20: Iraq began releasing political prisoners under an unprecedented amnesty issued on Sunday by President Saddam Hussein to inmates and exiles to mark his perfect 100 percent win in an uncontested election last week.

The move to free all political prisoners and most other inmates was seen as part of Saddam’s campaign to rally Iraqis behind his leadership at a time when he faces the prospect of US military action to topple him.

Witnesses said they saw scores of prisoners leaving a prison in Baghdad.

“With our blood and souls we redeem you Saddam,” prisoners chanted as they were freed.

“May God protect Saddam, I’ll never do wrong again,” one jubilant prisoner told Reuters.

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

The amnesty, which could lead to the release of thousands of people, is the first time Saddam has pardoned all political prisoners in his 23-year rule.

Over the years he had ordered the release of small numbers of prisoners or cut the jail terms of others.

“All jailed prisoners, detainees and sentenced fugitives for political reasons are granted a complete, comprehensive and final amnesty,” Saddam declared in the decree.—Reuters