Damascus: Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has issued a decree granting a general amnesty for certain crimes committed prior to the issuance of the decree, as well as reducing sentences for others. This was announced in a statement released by the presidency.
According to Anadolu Agency, the decree, referred to as ‘Law No. 39 of 2026,’ provides a general amnesty for crimes committed before its issuance, following specific provisions. The decree reduces life imprisonment and life detention to temporary imprisonment or detention for 20 years. However, this reduction does not extend to felonies causing personal harm unless the victim waives their personal rights. Compensation alone is insufficient for a waiver, and victims have a three-month window to file personal claims, failing which the reduction will be applicable.
The decree also offers full exemption from certain sentences for individuals with incurable terminal illnesses requiring assistance or those aged 70 and above, given they meet specified conditions and exceptions. The amnesty encompasses all misdemeanor penalties, violations, and specific felonies under special laws including narcotics-related crimes, smuggling, financial oversight, illegal currency dealings, subsidized goods smuggling, and consumer protection.
Moreover, the amnesty applies to certain felonies committed before December 8, 2024, and includes crimes under the Military Penal Code and select articles of the Cybercrime Law. Conditional amnesty is granted for crimes such as kidnapping, provided the victim is released voluntarily without harm or compensation within a set timeframe, and certain weapons-related offenses if arms are surrendered within three months.
The decree mandates the exemption of half of temporary criminal sentences and removes all rehabilitation measures imposed on juveniles under specified conditions. Beneficiaries of the amnesty in some cases are required to surrender within 60 days or settle obligations, with deadlines set for filing personal lawsuits.
Crimes involving serious violations against the Syrian people, including torture, human trafficking, prostitution, theft of electricity and telecommunications networks, organized crime, and select drug-related offenses, are excluded from the amnesty.
Fines of a compensatory civil nature are not included in the decree, while punitive fines linked to custodial sentences are covered, with no refunds for amounts paid before the decree’s issuance. Medical committees will be formed by the justice minister to review health-related cases, and a two-month deadline is established for amnesty applications. The decree is effective immediately upon issuance and publication in the Official Gazette.
