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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - Sony Pictures has cleared the way for a limited release of the film "The Interview" on Christmas Day, less than a week after pulling the comedy's planned release following a cyber-attack on the company.

A Sony executive announced the move in a statement released by the company on Tuesday.

"We have never given up on releasing The Interview and we're excited our movie will be in a number of theatres on Christmas Day," said Michael Lynton, the chairman and CEO of Sony Entertainment.

The statement also added: "While we hope this only the first step of the film's release, we are proud to make it available to the public and to have stood up to those who attempted to supress free speech," he added.

A Sony employee confirmed to Al Jazeera that the film will be released in approximately 300 to 500 independent theatres in the US. However, it is unclear how many theatres will screen the film.

The comedy about a fictional plot to assassinate North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un led to a cyber-attack on the Sony, which the US government has blamed on North Korea, an accusation the country denies.

Sony's cancellation of the movie following threats from hackers drew widespread criticism, including from President Barack Obama.

*Agencies