Syria’s New Parliament Abolishes Assad-Era Counter-Terrorism Court

Syria’s People’s Assembly voted in September 2026 to abolish the Counter-Terrorism Court created in 2012 and to nullify its past rulings. The vote came during the opening weeks of the first parliament elected after the al-Assad family’s rule ended. It follows a June 2025 decree by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa that dismissed the 67 judges who served on the court.

Al Jazeera (website)Syria parliament abolishes Assad-era terrorism court and voids its rulings – Cyprus Inform Syria parliament votes to abolish Assad-era terrorism court, nullify rulings Syria’s Parliament Votes To Abolish Assad-Era Terrorism Court And Nullify Rulings: how 13 outlets framed it Associated PressThe Straits Times

The 53-year al-Assad rule ended on December 8, 2024 after an 11-day offensive removed Bashar al-Assad from power. A March 2025 constitutional declaration called for the abolition of “unjust” rulings issued by the Counter-Terrorism Court and for restitution of confiscated property. The UN Human Rights Committee’s 2024 report criticized the 2012 law for lacking judicial guarantees and for arbitrary detention.

Syria parliament votes to abolish Assad-era terrorism court, nullify rulings

The government’s integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the national army has sparked unrest in the Kurdish-majority northeast. Fuel subsidies that existed under SDF control were removed after the central government assumed authority, and a September 2026 price hike raised gasoline costs by about 30 % and diesel by 40 %. Demonstrators blocked the M4 highway near Tal Tamr, demanding a reversal.

Al Jazeera (website)

A decree limited Kurdish instruction in schools to three weekly classes, down from the fully Kurdish curriculum during the autonomous period. Students in Qamishli and Hasakah have protested, saying the reduction undermines language rights.

The Straits Times

• Kurdish people constitute roughly 10 % of Syria’s pre-war population of 23 million.

The Straits Times

• The Counter-Terrorism Court prosecuted “thousands” of Syrians for alleged terrorism offenses.

Syria parliament abolishes Assad-era terrorism court and voids its rulings – Cyprus Inform

• 67 judges were removed in June 2025.

Syria parliament votes to abolish Assad-era terrorism court, nullify rulings

• Fuel price increases: ? 30 % for gasoline, ? 40 % for diesel.

Associated Press

• The Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) now number about 1,500, down from 5,000 at their peak.

Associated Press

The director of the Syrian Network for Human Rights called the parliamentary vote “historic,” emphasizing that true redress depends on erasing the court’s judgments from victims’ lives. President al-Sharaa’s decree framed the dismissal of the judges as a step toward restoring rights. Education Minister Mohammed Abdul Rahman Turko said fully translating the curriculum into Kurdish is “very difficult” because of teacher shortages and university compatibility concerns.

Syria’s Parliament Votes To Abolish Assad-Era Terrorism Court And Nullify Rulings: how 13 outlets framed it

• “There is an outburst of tension among the people here,” — Masoud Bouzi, resident of Kobani

Associated Press

• “Among Kurds who are open to some of the benefits of integration, the rising cost of living undermines potential support,” — Noah Bonsey, senior adviser, International Crisis Group

Associated Press

• “I have studied Kurdish since the start of my schooling up through 11th grade, and now they are saying they will only allocate three class periods for Kurdish. This is unacceptable,” — Suzan Ali

The Straits Times

The energy minister is scheduled to appear before parliament on Thursday to answer questions about the fuel-price policy. Lawmakers will monitor the SDF integration agreement and the education decree, while Kurdish groups plan further demonstrations if language demands are not expanded.

Al Jazeera (website)