In a report issued on Monday, the Syrian Network for Human Rights stated that the Syrian regime has released 476 people in accordance with amnesty decree 7/2022. The regime is still holding approximately 132,000 detainees in connection with the popular movement, which started in March 2011. The report noted that amnesty Decree No. 7 of 2022 is the 19th decree since March 2011. The Syrian regime still presides over 87,000 enforced disappearances; nor has the regime desisted from conducting arbitrary arrests.
The report reviewed the number of releases recorded by the Syrian Network for Human Right team from April 30th, 2022 to May 11th, 2022, covering those arrested in connection with the popular movement and charged with terrorism. The report distinguished these cases from the outcome of amnesty-related and unrelated releases, which took place within the context of prison sentences expiring.
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The report stated that the Syrian regime has continued to forcibly disappear some 132,000 Syrian citizens from March 2011 to May 2022. During the first ten days of the latest amnesty, the report recorded the release of some 476 people from various civilian prisons, military prisons, and security branches in Syrian governorates. Those released included 55 women and 13 people who were children at the time of their arrest. The releases took place from May 1-11th, 2022.
Of the 476 released, at least 98 people had made adjustments to their terms of captivity before their arrest; they had been granted a settlement pledge not to be exposed by security branches. And 18 detainees were arrested after returning to Syria from living as refugees and residents outside, including two women. At least 12 Palestinian refugees, including three women, were killed.
The report added that Decree No. 7 of 2022 did not include many political detainees who had been apprehended for expressing opinions and being activists in the popular movement. The amnesty also does not include the vast majority of detainees who have not been charged and have not been referred to any court — many of whom have been detained for several years.
There are also no clear criteria for selecting detainees who have been included under the amnesty. Most of those released are civilians who have been arbitrarily arrested, charged with terrorism, or tried in courts that lack proper justice standards. These were granted amnesty.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
