Syrian Arab Republic - March 2025

On 13 March, President Al-Sharaa signed a constitutional declaration for a five-year transitional period. The interim constitution requires the President to be Muslim and designates Islamic jurisprudence as the ‘main source’ of legislation. It grants the President full executive power, abolishing the role of Prime Minister. A new legislative assembly will be formed, with one-third of its members directly appointed by the President, and the rest chosen by a committee he also appoints. While judicial independence is nominally guaranteed, the President will appoint all seven members of the Higher Constitutional Court. The declaration includes language to protect women’s rights, press freedoms, and the “personal affairs” of religious minorities. However, provisions criminalizing the denial, justification, or glorification of Assad-era crimes and symbols have raised concerns that their broad language could be used to restrict freedom of expression. This declaration replaces the 2012 constitution, suspended in December 2024. Al-Sharaa assumed the presidency in January following a conference of armed groups.

Sources: Constitution Net, Human Rights Watch, Enab Baladi, Syria Justice and Accountability Centre