Following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s constitution on Thursday, December 12, 2024, announced the suspension of parliament for a three-month transition period.
Obaida Arnaout, the political affairs spokesman for the nation’s interim government, has said that a committee will manage and review the constitution during this period. “A judicial and human rights committee will be established to examine the constitution and then introduce amendments,” he cited.
Notably, this suspension is intended to allow time for the formation and establishment of new government. Till then, the Judicial and Human Rights Committee will review and amend the constitution. This is because the interim government aimed to ensure the protection of institutions and documents and to address some crucial challenges during this period.
The current constitution dates back to 2012. It was adopted by President Bashar al-Assad and does not specify Islam as the state religion due to the presence of various religions and other minority groups. Though it states that the President must be a Muslim and that Islamic jurisprudence is a major source of legislation.
Who is Bashar al-Assad?
Bashar al-Assad is a Syrian politician who served as the president of Syria from 2000 until his resignation in December 2024. He came into power after succeeding his father, Hafez al-Assad, who ruled Syria for almost 30 years. Initially, Bashar’s presidency in the state was marked as authoritarian, political freedoms, etc. It further led to the brutal response to the Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011.
This civil war caused widespread destruction of human rights, abuses, including the use of chemical weapons against civilians, and many more. His presidency also faced significant opposition both on the domestic and international fronts, leading to prolonged and devastating conflict.
Prolonged conflicts in Syria
The year 2011 marks the evolution of civil war between President Assad’s regime and various rebel groups. The war led to massive downfall and weakening of the economy, making it difficult for the regime to control.
President Assad’s military was also significantly weakened due to casualties, defections, and low morale among soldiers. His international key allies, including Russia and Iran, also reduced their support for Assad, leading to isolating his regime.
Recent Destructions
In a recent update about these triggered conflicts in Syria, rebels led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham seized major cities of the nation, including its capital, Damascus, on Sunday, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee from the nation on Sunday, December 8, 2024.
On Tuesday, Mohammed al-Bashir, the head of the rebels self-proclaimed salvation government in the northwestern bastion of Idlib, has been announced as the country’s Prime Minister for the transitional period of 3 months, i.e., till March 1, 2024.
The spokesperson of the interim government, Obaida Arnaout, said that a meeting would be held on Tuesday between the Salvation Government and the former ministers of President Assad’s administration for the transfer of power.
“This transitional period will last three months, he said in a recent interview with a reputed news media organization “Our priority is to preserve and protect institutions’.
He also pledged that the new interim government would institute the rule of law. All those who committed crimes against Syrians will be judged in accordance with the law.
Speaking about the provision of religious and personal freedom to the people, he said, “We respect religious and cultural diversity in Syria, adding that they would remain unchanged.
Kanishka Malhotra is a seasoned journalist with a deep passion for reporting and uncovering the truth. With a specialization in research and investigative Journalism, she has covered wide range of topics related to social issues, travel, lifestyle, technology, Entertainment and much more. She believes to express and share her creativity to the world through words. With relentless pursuit of knowing and uncovering the truth, Kanishka continues to leave a mark in the world of journalism.
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