Updated

CAIRO -- Egypt's ruling generals have announced the pardon of 334 civilians who were sentenced in military tribunals since the uprising that toppled President Hosni Mubarak in February.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page Wednesday, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces said the move was to support "the continued communication with the great Egyptian people and the youth of the revolution."

It did not say what those pardoned were sentenced for or when they would be released. It said the names would be released later.

At least 12,000 people have been tried by military courts since January. Human rights groups and Egyptian activists have harshly criticized the practice.

The U.S. government has also called on Egypt to try civilians in civilian courts.