How many are really set free ?: Assad issues general amnesty in Syria


How many are really free?
Assad issues general amnesty in Syria

The ongoing conflict in Syria is being pushed into the background by the pandemic. Head of state Assad is now making a gesture of reconciliation: Many prisoners are to be released, including those convicted of “terrorist acts”. It remains unclear how many there will really be in the end.

A few weeks before the presidential election in Syria, the ruler Bashar al-Assad issued a general amnesty. The decree published on Sunday allows, among other things, the release of prisoners who were convicted of crimes such as complicity in “terrorist acts”, as reported by the state media. The Sana news agency published the decree but did not disclose how many prisoners could benefit from it.

The decree provides for the pardon of prisoners convicted of crimes committed before May 2, 2021. Minors who face certain charges should also benefit from the amnesty. According to the decree, drug traffickers, smugglers or people convicted of tax evasion can expect a pardon if they agree to pay a fine.

The regulations also apply to prisoners with incurable diseases who are older than 70 years. Kidnappers who agree to release their victims within ten days can also expect a pardon. Deserters have several months to face the authorities and thereby obtain impunity.

Are rebels and opponents of the regime also affected?

The decree also covers crimes related to the 2012 Terrorism Act, including the “conspiracy” to commit a “terrorist” act – but only when that act did not result in the death of a person. Damascus describes activities by rebels or opponents of the regime as “terrorist”.

The second presidential election since the beginning of the civil war in 2011 will take place in Syria on May 26th. Assad is expected to secure a fourth term. Syria’s rulers had already enacted amnesties in the past, including after his controversial re-election in 2014, as well as in 2018 and 2019.

.