Syria frees 300 prisoners for Eid, including ex-Assad officers

Syria releases 300 detainees ahead of Eid, including 35 ex-regime soldiers, as pressure mounts for justice after March’s coastal violence.
3 min read
09 June, 2025
Last Update
09 June, 2025 12:43 PM
The release comes as the Syrian government faces growing pressure to deliver justice for the Latakia killings [Getty]

The Syrian government has released more than 300 detainees ahead of Eid al-Adha, framing the move as part of a wider effort to accelerate judicial processes and address public demands for justice following recent unrest.

Among those released were at least 35 former regime soldiers detained during the campaign that led to the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad.

On 5 June, the Ministry of Justice announced the release of 300 detainees in connection with the Eid holiday. It stated that the Public Prosecutor had been instructed to carry out prison visits to help expedite reviews of pending cases.

"This comes as part of the state’s efforts to achieve justice," the ministry said, "and in the context of its commitment to guaranteeing citizens’ rights and promoting effective judicial work".

The ministry added that the initiative aims "to improve detainees’ conditions in a way that contributes to a fairer and more transparent legal environment".

Further details came from the interior ministry, which stated that dozens of those released were held in Latakia province, having been arrested during what the government refers to as the Deterrence of Aggression campaign that overthrew Assad.

These individuals were released, the ministry said, because their "hands were not stained with blood".

"The Internal Security Command in Latakia… released dozens of detainees who had been arrested during the liberation battles and were not proven to have been involved in bloodshed," the ministry said, noting that the decision was made in coordination with the Committee for Civil Peace.

A source in Internal Security told The New Arab's Arabic sister outlet Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that approximately 35 of those released were former soldiers and officers of the previous regime, including individuals holding the rank of lieutenant.

"The step came after reviewing their files and confirming they had not been involved in war crimes or violations against civilians," the source said.

According to the same source, the release is part of an ongoing process of investigation and judicial review aimed at resolving pending cases and addressing each one individually.

"Investigations with the remaining detainees will continue, with confirmation that anyone not proven to be involved in criminal acts will be released in accordance with legal procedures.”

The releases follow the violent events of March, when clashes broke out along the Syrian coast between government-affiliated forces and armed loyalists of the deposed regime. In response, President Ahmad al-Sharaa issued a decree on 9 March establishing a Committee for the Preservation of Civil Peace to open channels of dialogue with coastal communities and provide support to ensure their security.

Though a fact-finding commission was also announced, many residents continue to wait for answers.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, at least 889 people, including 51 children and 63 women, were killed by government-affiliated forces during the violence, the vast majority of whom were innocent civilians belonging to the Alawi sect. A further 445 people, including 9 children and 21 women, were killed by pro-Assad armed groups.

The results of the investigation into the coastal killings are expected to be announced in the coming days.