Syrian Future Movement welcomes the decision issued by the Syrian Minister of Justice, Mr. Mazhar al-Wais, No. (975/L) dated June 30, 2025, to form a new judicial committee competent to consider objections to decisions to seize private property, based on Article 2 of Legislative Decree No. (56) of 2011.
The movement considers this decision a necessary start to a long-awaited legal review that aims to correct the procedures and decisions issued during the state of emergency under Decree 51 of 1962, which lacked constitutional guarantees and fair judicial procedures and led to the forcible seizure of the property of thousands of Syrian citizens.
In this context, Syrian Future Movement would like to highlight the following observations:
- A step towards rehabilitating the judicial process:
The formation of the committee from judges of the Court of Cassation, along with representatives from the State Council and the Ministry of Justice, reflects a trend towards a specialized judiciary and supports citizen confidence in legal institutions, even in the absence of clear procedural guarantees so far. - The need to review the “new evidence” requirement:
The Current emphasizes that the requirement to provide new evidence to accept objections may constitute an obstacle for victims and victims, especially those whose security and political circumstances have prevented them from being able to document, calling for more flexible and equitable complementary procedures. - Demanding the transformation of the commission into a tool for transitional justice:
The movement believes that the success of the commission’s work requires going beyond the narrow procedural nature and moving towards comprehensive transitional justice through:
- Allow civil society representatives to attend the committee’s work as independent observers.
- Publish transparent periodic reports on the number of objections and their rulings.
- Expanding the committee’s powers to include all seizure decisions, including those issued outside the state of emergency.
4. This decision is a first step, not the end of the road:
The movement notes that this decision, despite its importance, should not be considered a final outcome, but rather a necessary prelude to a comprehensive reform process in the issue of property rights, restoring citizen confidence in the state, and realizing the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.
5. Commitment to continued monitoring and follow-up:
Syrian Future Movement renews its commitment to follow up on the implementation of this resolution, monitor the performance of the committee, and provide human rights and media support to those affected, within a comprehensive vision to restore stolen rights and properties, and end the exceptional practices that accompanied the decades of tyranny in Syria.
