Justice Ministry cancels nearly 300,000 legal prosecutions
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Syria’s Ministry of Justice announced on Friday the cancellation of nearly 287,000 legal prosecutions across the country, covering 68 different charges, in what it described as an effort to address the consequences of extraordinary measures issued under the former regime.
In an official statement, the ministry said the decision nullifies arrest warrants and judicial search orders issued by military courts during that period. The move also includes the removal of related travel bans and security restrictions imposed on thousands of citizens.
According to the ministry, the measure aims to “resolve the legal consequences of exceptional decisions that restricted citizens’ movement during the rule of the deposed regime.” Officials did not specify which period or laws were included, but the statement referenced restrictions that had long impacted Syrians’ ability to move freely or conduct official procedures.
The Justice Ministry noted that the cancellations extend to both criminal and civil prosecutions, with priority given to cases based on politically motivated charges or minor offenses that were expanded under exceptional rulings. It emphasized that the step was taken to ease the burdens carried by citizens over years of unresolved legal cases.
Legal activists and humanitarian organizations have for years documented the wide-reaching impact of exceptional court rulings in Syria, including the use of military judiciary to try civilians. Many of these cases, observers noted, led to extended travel bans and prevented thousands from accessing employment, property ownership, or public services.