Key facts
- Syria's parliament voted Wednesday to abolish the Counter-Terrorism Court.
- The court was established in 2012 to prosecute thousands of Syrians for terrorism-related offenses.
Syria's parliament voted Wednesday to abolish a terrorism court established in 2012 and nullify its rulings, including the return of confiscated property. The move by the newly formed assembly formalizes the court's de facto abolition after President Ahmed al-Sharaa dismissed its judges in June 2025.
The abolition of the Counter-Terrorism Court and nullification of its rulings represent a significant legislative step by Syria's new assembly, potentially impacting thousands of past convictions and confiscated assets, and addressing long-standing human rights concerns raised by international bodies.
Syria's parliament voted on Wednesday to abolish a terrorism court established during the early years of the uprising against Bashar al-Assad and nullify the legal effects of its rulings. The move by the country's new assembly formalizes the court's de facto abolition after President Ahmed al-Sharaa dismissed its judges in June 2025.
The Counter-Terrorism Court was established in 2012 and used to prosecute thousands of Syrians for terrorism-related offenses. Syria's March 2025 constitutional declaration had also called for abolishing the effects of rulings issued by the court, including the return of confiscated property.
The United Nations Human Rights Committee stated in 2024 that the law establishing the court failed to provide adequate judicial guarantees and raised concerns over arbitrary detention, torture, and the court's independence. The UN's International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism noted in a 2024 report that the court was part of a judicial system used to prosecute detainees held by security agencies, documenting widespread torture and ill-treatment.
The vote occurred during the opening weeks of the first parliament formed since Assad was toppled in December 2024. The assembly convened for the first time in July and has spent its initial sessions establishing internal rules and committees. The parliament also held a hearing with the Education Minister this week and is scheduled to question the energy minister on Thursday regarding a recent sharp rise in fuel prices.