Syria's leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has announced a transformative moment for the nation with the signing of a constitutional declaration that outlines a five-year transition period. This new framework promises rights for women, freedom of expression, and justice for victims of the previous regime under Bashar al-Assad, whose government was overthrown by Islamist-led rebels three months ago. The declaration follows recent violence on Syria's Mediterranean coast, where security forces reportedly killed nearly 1,500 civilians, primarily from the Alawite minority associated with the Assad family.
During the signing at the presidential palace, interim President Sharaa expressed hope that this declaration would usher in "a new history for Syria," replacing oppression with justice and suffering with compassion. The Assad-era constitution has been repealed, and parliament dissolved, paving the way for a transitional justice commission to address past wrongdoings and provide justice for victims.
The document prohibits glorifying the former Assad regime and its symbols, as well as denying or downplaying its crimes. Abdul Hamid al-Awak, a committee member involved in drafting the declaration, highlighted its commitment to ensuring women's rights in work, education, and all social, political, and economic spheres. The declaration maintains that the president must be a Muslim, with Islamic law as the primary legislative source, and grants the president the exclusive power to declare a state of emergency.
Awak explained that the people's assembly, with a third of its members appointed by the president, will be responsible for drafting legislation. The president cannot be impeached by the legislature, nor can they dismiss lawmakers, ensuring executive power remains with the president during the transition. The declaration also guarantees freedom of opinion, expression, and the press, while affirming judicial independence. A committee will be established to draft a permanent constitution.
Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, led the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in the overthrow of Assad and assumed the role of interim president in January. He pledged to create the constitutional declaration as a legal guide for the transition period.
However, the Kurdish-led administration in northeastern Syria criticized the declaration, arguing it does not reflect Syria's diversity and undermines democratic efforts. The Syrian Democratic Forces, the administration's military arm, recently agreed to integrate into state institutions, but the administration stated the declaration fails to meet their people's aspirations.
The declaration criminalizes calls for division, separatism, or foreign intervention, while emphasizing cooperation with international partners for reconstruction. A UN spokesperson conveyed the hope that the declaration will provide a solid legal foundation for a credible political transition, stressing the importance of proper implementation.
This announcement comes shortly after a violent outbreak on Syria's coast, which analysts see as a significant threat to the transition. The violence resulted in at least 1,476 civilian deaths, mostly Alawites, at the hands of security forces and allies, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Sharaa has committed to holding those responsible accountable, with several arrests already made.