Colombia is pardoning to 30 jailed members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), as a confidence-building measure in its peace talks with armed group, AFP reported on Sunday.
The government said none of those being pardoned were in prison for serious crimes and added that they will be supported in their efforts to find jobs and receive social support on their release.
"As part of the confidence-building gestures between the national government and the FARC, the national government has decided, based on its constitutional and legal authorities, to grant pardons ... to 30 guerrillas," the presidential statement said.
FARC told local media last week that around 850 jailed members of the leftist militant group have been on a hunger strike in 13 prisons since Nov. 9, demanding humanitarian releases and improved prison conditions.