Syria and Lebanon signed an agreement Friday, Feb 6, to transfer about 300 convicted Syrian prisoners from Lebanese prisons to Syria, marking a new phase in efforts to address a long-standing detainee file between the two countries. The agreement was signed in Beirut during a meeting between Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri and Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais, according to statements from both governments.
Muhammad Taha al-Ahmad, director of Arab Affairs at Syria’s Foreign Ministry, said around 300 Syrian nationals held in Lebanese prisons will be returned to Syria following the completion of consular procedures. He said transferred prisoners will have the right to request retrials in Syrian courts and confirmed that the agreement applies to all crimes except rape and murder.
Ahmad added that Syrian and Lebanese authorities are coordinating on logistical and humanitarian issues, including medical support for sick detainees, and said discussions also include the return of individuals linked to the former Assad regime.
Officials Describe Step as Humanitarian
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani welcomed the agreement, thanking the Lebanese government and President Joseph Aoun for what he called “constructive cooperation on the Syrian prisoners file.” In a statement posted on X, Shaibani described the deal as “a historic milestone toward ending a long-standing issue affecting our people” and said it could serve as a foundation for stronger bilateral relations. He also expressed appreciation for the support of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and France in facilitating dialogue between Damascus and Beirut.
During a joint press conference, Syrian Justice Minister Wais said the agreement carries significant humanitarian importance, reflecting political will on both sides to move forward despite unresolved legal complexities. He said Syrian authorities are also addressing cases of missing persons who spent long periods in Lebanese prisons and are preparing a timeline for detainees not covered by the current agreement.
Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Mitri said implementation of the agreement will begin Saturday and described it as the result of months of dialogue based on trust and mutual respect. He said Lebanon and Syria plan to sign a separate agreement later to address detainees who were not included in the current framework.
Regional and International Context
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun linked the prisoner agreement to broader improvements in relations with Syria. Speaking during a meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, Aoun said judicial cooperation with Damascus is advancing alongside discussions on border demarcation. He said stability in Syria has a direct impact on Lebanon and vice versa.
According to official estimates cited by Lebanese officials, about 2,500 Syrians are held in Lebanese prisons, representing roughly one-third of the total prison population. Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos previously said the agreement would help ease overcrowding in detention facilities.
Human rights observers have urged transparency in implementation. Fadel Abdulghani, director of the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR), said the transfer mechanism could reduce prison overcrowding and consular isolation if accompanied by written guarantees that protect detainees’ rights and ensure judicial oversight.
While the current agreement addresses convicted prisoners, officials on both sides have acknowledged that the broader detainee file, such as the fate of many in Roumieh Prison, remains unresolved, with further negotiations expected in the coming months.
