First time since January 2022: Assad declares general amnesty

A general amnesty has been declared in Syria for desertion crimes, misdemeanors (crimes more serious than petty offenses but less serious than felonies), and certain violations committed before September 22, 2024.

According to the Syrian state news agency SANA, President Bashar al-Assad issued a legislative decree for the amnesty.

The decree provides for a full pardon for the sentences of those who committed internal and external desertion crimes as defined in the Military Penal Code.

According to the decree, the amnesty provisions will not apply to "those who are hiding and evading justice, unless they surrender within three months if inside the country, or four months if abroad."

The decree also excludes from the scope of the amnesty "certain misdemeanors that constitute a serious attack on society and the state," "bribery," "forgery," and "certain offenses against public morality."

The amnesty also requires compensation in cases involving attacks on personal property, provided that the victim's personal rights are reserved.

Assad last declared a general amnesty for military deserters inside and outside the country in January 2022.

News Source: 12punto