Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri said Lebanon has a strong political will to resolve the long-standing issue of Syrian nationals detained in its prisons, framing the matter as a foundation for renewed cooperation with Damascus. In statements to Anadolu Agency, Mitri said he hopes for progress soon, noting the issue has gained urgency following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.
Most Syrians detained in Lebanon were arrested during the early years of the Syrian uprising that began in 2011. Many cases remain unresolved, with detainees held on allegations of supporting revolutionary groups against the Assad regime.
Human rights groups and families have for years raised concerns about prolonged detention without trial. Mitri said contacts with Syria are proceeding “on a fraternal basis,” adding that the detainee file represents a gateway to expanding bilateral cooperation.
Judicial Agreement Under Negotiation
Lebanon and Syria have been negotiating a judicial cooperation agreement to establish a mechanism for transferring Syrian detainees held in Lebanese prisons. Mitri confirmed that Beirut prepared a second draft of the agreement after an initial proposal stalled. The revised draft was discussed in Damascus last week but failed to secure Syrian approval.
“The draft witnessed back and forth regarding its terms and was not satisfactory to the Syrian side,” Mitri told Asharq Al-Awsat in remarks published December 20. He said Lebanon has asked Damascus to submit proposed amendments so they can be reviewed and incorporated before the agreement is presented to the Lebanese Cabinet for approval.
According to Mitri, Syrian objections focused on provisions excluding certain convicts and on clauses related to detainees more broadly. He stressed that delays complicate the issue, saying each passing day makes resolution harder.
Releases and Prison Conditions
Mitri said Lebanon has already taken steps to ease pressure on the detainee file. About 100 Syrian detainees have been released on bail, while 22 others detained for alleged affiliation with Jabhat al-Nusra dissolved in 2016, later known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), were released over the past two months, according to his statements.
The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) estimates that around 2,000 Syrians are held in Roumieh prison alone, including roughly 190 detained for participation in the Syrian revolution. Roumieh prison, northeast of Beirut, is Lebanon’s largest facility holding over 4,000 inmates despite a capacity of 1,200, contributing to overcrowding and poor conditions.
Broader Bilateral Issues Remain
Private sources cited by Asharq Al-Awsat on December 11 said talks faltered over clauses allowing Lebanon to refuse transfers without justification and barring Syria from granting amnesty to detainees it receives. Negotiations have yet to produce a final agreement.
Beyond detainees, Mitri said Lebanon seeks to reset relations with Syria on the basis of equality and cooperation. He noted the return of about 400,000 Syrians from Lebanon and said border control and demarcation remain priorities, with France providing technical support through historical mandate-era maps.
