The Syrian Future Movement follows with deep appreciation and humanitarian concern the announcement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, regarding the transfer of the second batch of 128 Syrian prisoners convicted in Lebanese prisons.
This step comes in implementation of the agreement signed between the two countries on February 6, 2026, concerning the exchange of prisoners and the strengthening of judicial cooperation. It is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts reflecting the commitment of both sides to addressing humanitarian and legal issues in a way that serves their common interests.
The Syrian Future Movement commends this step, which embodies the Syrian state’s commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens wherever they may be, and highlights the seriousness of judicial cooperation between Damascus and Beirut in addressing outstanding cases.
We reiterate that this agreement, which has begun to bear fruit, represents a qualitative leap in bilateral relations and establishes a comprehensive legal framework that ensures Syrian citizens will not remain in foreign prisons and allows them the opportunity to complete their sentences in their homeland, in accordance with local laws. We also highly value the joint cooperation between the Ministries of Justice and Interior of both countries, which resulted in the smooth and successful implementation of this agreement.
The Syrian Future Movement notes that this second batch follows the first batch received by Syria on March 17, 2026, which included 132 prisoners, bringing the total number of Syrian prisoners transferred to Syria to approximately 260.
We recall here that the issue of Syrian detainees in Lebanon remains unresolved. These detainees constitute about 80% of the total number of Syrians held in Lebanese prisons, which is approximately 1,777, awaiting the resolution of their legal status.
The Syrian Future Movement reiterates that the continued lack of a resolution to this issue constitutes a humanitarian and legal burden on both sides and hinders efforts to build trust between the two countries. We call for accelerating the pace of work to address the situation of the remaining detainees and for developing a legal mechanism to address the cases of Syrians who have not yet been sentenced.
The Syrian Future Movement reiterates its unwavering support for human rights and the strengthening of judicial cooperation, particularly regarding the issue of Syrian detainees in Lebanon. This support is outlined in its official website, including our statement dated February 13, 2025, entitled “The Situation of Syrian Detainees in Lebanon,” in which we emphasized the necessity of finding specific solutions for them between the Syrian and Lebanese governments.
Based on its national responsibility, the Syrian Future Movement recommends the following:
- Expediting the transfer of the remaining batches of Syrian prisoners in Lebanon and establishing a clear and public timetable for completing this process, similar to what was done with the first two batches, to ensure transparency and build trust between the two countries.
- Establishing an urgent legal mechanism to address the situation of Syrian detainees who have not yet been sentenced, in coordination between the Ministries of Justice of both countries, to ensure they are not held in Lebanese prisons without a fair trial or a determination of their fate.
- Strengthening judicial and diplomatic coordination between the two countries to ensure the continuity of cooperation on this issue and expanding its scope to include other outstanding cases, such as the missing and forcibly disappeared, in accordance with the agreement reached between Presidents al-Sharaa and Salam.
- Involving civil society organizations and human rights bodies in monitoring the conditions of prisoners and released detainees, providing them with legal and psychological support, ensuring their reintegration into society, and preventing any discrimination or social stigma against them.
In conclusion, the Syrian Future Movement reiterates its welcome of this important humanitarian step and appreciates the diplomatic efforts exerted by both the Syrian and Lebanese sides to achieve this accomplishment.
We believe that completing this process is a true test of the seriousness of cooperation between the two countries and their ability to overcome the legacy of the past and build relations based on mutual respect and shared interests.
We call on the Syrian government and relevant authorities to maintain this momentum and expedite the resolution of the cases of the remaining detainees, so that this step may be a genuine beginning for a new phase of judicial and humanitarian cooperation that contributes to restoring citizens’ trust in their state institutions and strengthens stability and dignity for all. For its part, the Syrian Future Movement will remain supportive, critical, and observant of this issue, striving to build the new Syria on the foundations of justice, human dignity, and the rule of law.
