Syrian government unlawfully freezes assets in mass in Damascus – HRW
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Thursday the Syrian Ministry of Finance has been violating the right to property by illegally freezing assets of hundreds of people in a town in the south of Damascus since early 2024.
Adam Coogle, HRW’s deputy Middle East director said these indiscriminate mass asset freeze in the town of Zakyah in the south of Damascus indicate a “broader strategy of collective punishment” against people in areas where the Syrian government regained control.
In 2012, the Syrian government issued a decree that gives the Finance Ministry the authority to freeze the assets of individuals while they are being investigated for suspected terrorism under Syria’s broad counterterrorism law, even if they have not been charged with a crime.
“Weaponizing counterterrorism laws to justify unlawful asset freezes and seizures is a deliberate policy aimed at maintaining a climate of fear and repression in former opposition areas,” Coogle added.
HRW examined decisions for “precautionary seizure” made between January and June. These decisions targeted hundreds of people from Zakya, impacting not only specific individuals but also their close family members, such as parents, spouses, children, and siblings.
HRW said the Syrian government needs to give clear reasons for freezing individuals’ assets and allow those affected and their relatives to appeal this decision.
“For refugees facing increasing pressure to return from neighboring countries and Europe, these arbitrary asset freezes highlight ongoing government retaliation and abuse, making it highly unlikely that they’ll find stability and security upon return,” Coogle said.