The interim president of Syria Ahmad al-Sharaa signed a temporary constitution on Thursday that the country places under Islamic administration for five years. In addition, the constitution states that the rights of all Syrians will be protected as well as freedom of expression.
The temporary constitution replaces the constitution that applied under the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, which was deposited in December. Sharaa, former leader of rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), will act as interim president during the five years, a decision announced after a meeting of the armed groups participating in the offensive against former President Assad. Elections must be held after that period.
The temporary constitution explicitly states that women have political rights and the right to education. In addition, freedom of expression and free media are included in the law. Abdulhamid Al-Awak, one of the seven members of the committee that is responsible for drawing up the temporary constitution, said during a press conference that the Constitution will “find a balance between social security and freedom.” There will also be an “absolute and strict separation” between the legislative, executive and judiciary.
The document also states that the State is “committed to combating all forms of violent extremism with respect for rights and freedoms” and that “citizens are equal to law in rights and obligations, without discrimination based on race, religion, gender or origin.” The glorifying of the former Assad regime will “be labeled as a crime.”
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Islamic law
While many were happy that Sharaa and his allies took over power in December, minorities in Syria and human rights organizations were afraid that a strict Islamic policy would be established among him. A number of provisions from the old constitution will be retained in the temporary constitution, including the provision that the head of state must be a Muslim and that Islamic law must remain the most important source of legislation.
A committee will be formed in the coming years to draw up a permanent constitution. It is unclear whether it will be more inclusive for the political, religious and ethnic groups in Syria.