The military special forces now in power in Guinea released a group of political opponents of deposed president Alpha Conde on Tuesday, as a regional bloc prepared to discuss the turmoil in the West African nation.
Special forces led by Lieutenant-Colonel Mamady Doumbouya arrested the president in a move that has sparked international condemnation.
The 83-year-old president was under fire for perceived authoritarianism, with dozens of opposition activists arrested after a violently disputed election last year.
An AFP journalist saw about 20 prisoners freed from prison in the capital, Conakry on Tuesday evening, including prominent opposition activists.
Lawyers representing the detainees said that 79 people had been cleared for release in discussions with the military.
“We pray to God that this is a new era for Guinea. May no Guinean be in prison for the same reasons as us,” said Mr. Ismael Conde, a recently freed opposition-party activist.
The military released a communique on Monday urging the Justice Ministry to accelerate the release of “political detainees”.
Lt-Col Doumbouya on Tuesday also repeated a pledge to hold talks on forming a new government.
“The government to be installed will be that of national unity and will ensure this political transition,” he tweeted.
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