On the occasion of the Fitr festival, which marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, scheduled for the day after tomorrow, Syrian President Bashar al Assad has in the last few hours announced a general amnesty in favor of those serving a sentence in prison for crimes committed before April 30th. Those convicted of murder are excluded from the amnesty.
This was reported by the Syrian government agency Sana citing presidential decree no. 7 of 2022, signed by Assad. Amnesty crimes include some that fall under the 2012 anti-terrorism law and criminal code.
The Syrian authorities periodically issue decrees for amnesties for prisoners on national holidays.
Syrian analysts say today that by doing so, Assad aims to legitimize his image at home and abroad, freeing common criminals.
While the repression services continue to arrest and detain tens of thousands of people, mostly dissidents and civil society activists, who have been awaiting trial for years and who are not eligible for amnesty.
Syrian lawyers also underline the fact that President Assad thus takes the place of the legislative and judicial power, violating the constitution, seeking consensus through presidential decrees.
Source: Ansa
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