The Syrian Network for Human Rights has documented the release of around 573 detainees by the Syrian regime from its various detention centers (civilian, military, and security branches) across the Syrian governorates, including 63 women and 17 individuals who were children at the time of their arrest. These releases took place between May 1, 2022, and September 21, 2022, following the issuance of Pardon Decree No. 7 for 2022.
Of the 573 released individuals, at least 162 had agreed to security settlements before their arrest. Based on these settlements, each had received a formal pledge that they would not be harassed by the security branches. In addition to this, 28 of those released, including four women, had returned to Syria after being refugees and residents in foreign countries.
SNHR calls on the international community to pressure the Syrian regime to release nearly 135,000 individuals still detained/under arrest by the Syrian regime, 95,000 of whom are classified as forcibly disappeared. The regime must end the operations of special courts and suspend all rulings issued by these courts since they violate many of the fundamental rights of Syrian citizens. We don’t believe, however, that any of these demands will be achieved before a political transition ends the absolute control and murderous brutality exercised by the security branches.
A photo taken on May 5, 2022, shows some detainees that have been released from the Damascus Suburbs Governorate Administration building in al Marja area in Damascus city.
