Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced a decree on Wednesday granting a general amnesty for crimes committed prior to this declaration, as reported by the Syrian state news agency SANA. This decree reduces life sentences to a fixed term of 20 years, while life sentences involving forced labor will also be cut down to the same duration. In addition, prisoners suffering from severe, incurable illnesses, as well as those aged 70 and above, will be released under this amnesty.

However, the amnesty will not apply to crimes involving serious human rights violations against the Syrian people, as well as other grave offenses and human rights infractions. The justice ministry articulated that the purpose of this amnesty is to provide a new opportunity for individuals convicted of common crimes or offenses deserving rehabilitation. The objective is to facilitate the reintegration of these individuals back into society after serving their time.

The decree is also aimed at alleviating overcrowded prisons in Syria. The justice ministry emphasized that the amnesty does not extend to individuals convicted of serious crimes, signifying an attempt to balance humanitarian considerations with the upholding of the law as it pertains to significant infractions against human rights.