Turkmenistan frees over 3,700 prisoners

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan - Turkmenistan pardoned more than 3,700 prisoners, including around 30 foreigners, and released them from prison early on Saturday in the latest amnesty ordered by the leader of the Central Asian state.

President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, leader of the mainly Muslim nation of 5.4 million, has continued the practice begun by his predecessor Saparmurat Niyazov of releasing large numbers of prisoners to mark significant dates.

The latest release comes shortly before the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.