The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced new regulations governing public assemblies and demonstrations, introducing a formal licensing process and outlining responsibilities for organizers and authorities.
In a statement released Sunday, the ministry said the measures are based on “the provisions of the Constitutional Declaration and applicable laws guaranteeing the right to peaceful demonstration,” while emphasizing the need to preserve security, public order and property.
Under the new system, organizers must form a committee consisting of a chairperson and at least two members. This committee is responsible for submitting a permit request to the relevant governorate using an approved form.
Authorities then forward the request within 24 hours to a specialized committee tasked with reviewing the application. The ministry said the reviewing body must issue a decision within five days of registration. If officials fail to respond within that period, the application is considered approved.
Appeals Process and Legal Safeguards
The regulations also establish an appeals process for rejected applications. According to the ministry, any denial “must be justified,” and organizers can challenge the decision before the Administrative Court, which must issue a final ruling within one week.
Officials said the framework aims to balance the right to peaceful assembly with legal oversight. The ministry described the process as part of broader efforts to ensure demonstrations proceed within clearly defined legal boundaries.
The statement added that authorities will provide protection for approved demonstrations and offer assistance “within the limits of the laws,” while organizers must maintain order and adhere strictly to the terms of their permit.
Restrictions and Enforcement Measures
The new rules prohibit participants from carrying weapons during demonstrations, including licensed firearms or “any cutting, piercing or blunt object,” which the ministry classifies as weapons under the law.
Authorities retain the right to intervene if a demonstration exceeds its approved scope or if unrest occurs. The ministry said it may request organizers to end an event in such cases, and if compliance does not follow, security forces will disperse the gathering.
The ministry also warned that any assembly held without a permit, or in violation of its conditions, will be treated as illegal and subject to penalties under Articles 335 through 338 of the Penal Code. The ministry urged citizens to comply fully with regulations and avoid actions that could “threaten civil peace, endanger the safety of citizens, damage public and private property, or disrupt the work of institutions.”
Context of Increasing Public Gatherings
The announcement comes after a period of increased protest activity across several Syrian governorates. Over the past year and a half, demonstrations have taken place both in support of and in opposition to government policies.
Recent gatherings include a sit-in on April 17 in Damascus, organized through social media calls. According to local reports, authorities often monitored such events without a formal legal framework in place.
By introducing these regulations, the ministry seeks to standardize procedures for public assembly while addressing the rise in demonstrations tied to economic and service-related concerns. Officials said the new rules aim to provide clarity for citizens while reinforcing legal accountability for organizers and participants.
