Ramadan amnesty in Syria: Life sentences reduced to 20 years

A general amnesty decree issued by Ahmed Shara (Golani), the leader of HTS who has taken over the administration in Syria and serves as interim President, has been announced in the Official Gazette. Within the scope of the decree, life sentences are being commuted to 20-year prison terms, while half of temporary aggravated prison sentences will be pardoned. It is also envisioned that sentences for misdemeanors and certain types of crimes will be completely lifted.

ECONOMY AND CYBERCRIMES ALSO INCLUDED

The general amnesty regulation also covers smuggling acts, certain cybercrimes, violations of legislation regarding currency exchange offices, and some crimes within the framework of laws covering transactions made in currencies other than the Syrian pound.

CONDITIONAL AMNESTY FOR WEAPONS AND AMMUNITION

For crimes related to weapons and ammunition, the entire sentence will be pardoned on the condition that the weapons are surrendered to the authorized authorities within three months from the publication of the decision.

In cases of kidnapping, the condition of the victim being released voluntarily and without compensation, and the perpetrator surrendering within the specified period, will be required.

REGULATION BASED ON AGE AND HEALTH STATUS

The decree also includes special regulations for convicts with serious health conditions and those over a certain age. It was stated that individuals in this category could benefit from the amnesty following an evaluation by the relevant medical boards.

SERIOUS CRIMES EXCLUDED

Crimes of torture, human trafficking, serious violations against the Syrian people, and some other serious offenses have been excluded from the scope of the general amnesty. Amnesty practices covering a limited number of prisoners are occasionally seen in Arab countries during the month of Ramadan.

News Source: 12punto