Yemen releases 36 men after they renounce extremism

SAN'A, Yemen -- Yemeni authorities released 36 men rounded up as suspected militants following the Sept. 11 terror attacks after they renounced extremism, a judiciary official said Monday.

Hammoud al-Hitar, a judge in the Yemeni Supreme Court, told The Associated Press that the 36 men pledged to "abide by the right path, renounce extremism and respect foreigners and their property."

He also said evidence against the men was lacking.

The 36 freed men were released to their families and tribes over the past 12 days, al-Hitar said. If authorities believe they have strayed from their pledges, the relatives will be ordered to return them to custody.