Algeria offers partial amnesty

First Edition

Algiers (Reuter) - Algeria, battling Muslim fundamentalism, brought in a partial amnesty law under which members of subversive or terrorist groups have two months to surrender. After that, suspects will be tried by special courts with unidentified judges and prosecutors.

Diplomats expressed concern about the 'rather broad interpretation' of terrorism. The law describes as subversion or terrorism any offence against the 'security of the state, territorial integrity, stability and normal functioning of institutions,' by acts affecting personal security, property or undermining the symbols of the republic.