It’s the third time in the past five weeks that Jordan has released detained members of the banned ultraconservative Salafi group. Salafis regard non-militant Muslims as infidels and condone their killing.

Tuesday’s release brings the total number of freed Salafis to 59.

They are part of 105 Salafis on trial on terrorism charges for stabbing policemen with swords during an April protest.

The prosecutor says the release was a “gesture of goodwill” by Prime Minister Awn Al-Khasawneh, who has pledged to improve ties with the opposition, including with the Islamists.

He spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not allowed to talk to the media.