Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani issued an amnesty on Tuesday to release the prisoners who were arrested in February 1996 for taking part in a coup attempt, which was foiled by the Qatari forces.

According to a statement issued by the Qatari Foreign Ministry, the prisoners were released at King Abdullah's request. The prisoners returned to the Kingdom with Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, deputy commander of the National Guard. King Abdullah thanked Sheikh Hamad for his gesture.

Qatar sentenced 19 of the accused in the coup attempt to capital punishment and 20 to life imprisonment while 29 suspects were set free, according to a report posted at Al Arabiya satellite television's website.

During the reception in Jeddah, Abulailah thanked King Abdullah for his efforts to win the release of the members of his tribe. He said the release of the prisoners, who had spent 14 years in Qatari jail, would make several families happy. Prince Miteb bin Abdullah and Retired Brig. Nasser bin Saleh Al-Erq also attended the reception.