Syrian Justice Minister says half a million may benefit from amnesty
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais announced on Sunday that authorities have begun implementing the recently issued general amnesty decree, revealing that approximately 1,500 individuals have been released so far and that nearly half a million Syrians are expected to benefit from the measure.
The announcement follows a presidential decree issued last Wednesday by Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa granting a general amnesty for certain crimes while reducing penalties for others.
According to al-Wais, the implementation of the decree started immediately after its issuance. He described the amnesty as a legal necessity shaped by what he called the country’s “complex legal and legislative reality,” stressing that the decree complies with constitutional procedures.
The minister emphasized that the amnesty excludes individuals accused of committing major crimes against Syrians. “No person involved in shedding a single drop of blood of the Syrian people will be released,” al-Wais said, adding that those responsible for violations and atrocities against civilians are explicitly excluded from the decree.
He further stated that the amnesty applies only to specific categories defined by law and does not cover serious offenses, noting that judicial authorities are reviewing cases in accordance with established legal mechanisms.
In related remarks, al-Wais denied the presence of political detainees in Syria, saying that there are currently no political prisoners in the country and that authorities “will not allow this to occur in the new Syria,” according to his statements.
The minister acknowledged ongoing challenges facing the judicial system, particularly efforts aimed at restructuring and reforming judicial institutions. He said authorities are working to remove individuals implicated in human rights violations from the judicial system, adding that accountability procedures are being carried out confidentially and in accordance with the law.