Khaberni - Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shar' issued a general amnesty on Wednesday, covering convicted individuals involved in criminal and misdemeanor cases, and those who are over seventy, but it excludes those who committed violations against Syrians.
The decree, broadcast on official television, stipulates the reduction of "life imprisonment" to 20 years, the complete cancellation of punishment in misdemeanors and infractions, and the abolition of penalties related to felonies prescribed in the narcotics control law, the law prohibiting dealing in currencies other than the Syrian pound, and the law against smuggling state-subsidized materials.
The amnesty also includes the abolition of penalties associated with felonies specified in the military penal code, and the information crimes law.
Furthermore, those convicted under the weapons and ammunition law are exempt from all penalties, provided they take the initiative to surrender their weapons to the competent authorities within 3 months from the date the decree is issued.
It also exempts anyone "suffering from a terminal illness that is incurable" and individuals "who have reached the age of seventy," provided that they undergo medical examinations by specialized committees formed by the Minister of Justice.
The decree links the benefit of the amnesty in kidnapping and weapons crimes to time conditions, exempting the kidnapper from punishment if they voluntarily release the kidnapped person within a month of the decree’s issuance.
It also requires in felonies resulting in personal harm the "waiver of personal rights" or the payment of awarded compensations, to guarantee the rights of the victims.
Amnesty Exceptions
Excluded from the amnesty are "crimes involving serious violations against the Syrian people" and "crimes specified in the law criminalizing torture, human trafficking, and theft of public property (electricity and telecommunications)."
The decree sets deadlines of up to 60 days for those escaping from prisons to surrender themselves, and 3 months for holders of unlicensed weapons to submit them, declaring its immediate enforcement from the date of its issuance and publication in the Official Gazette.
The decree reflects the Shar' administration's desire to close the file on "political detainees" and individuals sentenced under "state security" and "terrorism" laws that were used against the opposition before December 2024, according to observers.
It also serves as a message to the international community and human rights organizations, demonstrating a break from practices of torture and arbitrary detention.
The amnesty paves the way for the return of refugees and displaced individuals who were subject to judicial sentences or search warrants, thereby facilitating the process of societal reintegration.
Reducing Penalties
In another context, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said on Wednesday that Canada has modified its economic sanctions on Syria to ease restrictions related to the import of goods and the export of goods, investment activities, financial services, and other services.
She added in a statement that "the amendments also remove 24 entities and one individual from the Syrian sanctions list, aiming to lower barriers to economic activity and enable transactions with state-associated entities in key sectors vital for Syria's recovery."
Furthermore, Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar Al-Wais met on Wednesday with the United Nations Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Vanessa Fraser, discussing ways to enhance cooperation to remove Syria from the blacklist for grave violations against children.
The meeting in Damascus, as reported by the Syrian news agency, addressed efforts to protect children and improve their conditions, develop protection mechanisms, and enhance coordination with relevant international organizations.
The United Nations listed Syria on the blacklist for states and groups violating children's rights since 2021 due to practices by the ousted regime forces.
