Former Syrian soldiers apply for amnesty from interim government
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Former Syrian soldiers have begun seeking amnesty from the interim government, with hundreds of ex-soldiers and officers from the previous regime lining up outside reconciliation centres in Damascus. This initiative is part of a broader effort to offer clemency to those who did not participate in the violent acts during the reign of the ousted President Bashar al-Assad.
The reconciliation centres are set up to provide former military personnel with an opportunity to clear their names and align themselves with the new government, which aims to heal the divisions left by years of conflict. The amnesty scheme is specifically targeting individuals who did not engage in the systematic torture and killings that characterized the Assad regime’s crackdown on protests and later, the civil war.
Ali Morshed, a former adjutant in the Syrian Army, was one of many individuals applying for reconciliation. Morshed expressed his hope that the new government would reconsider the status of former soldiers like him, saying, “We hope they will reconsider our status. We were not behind any bloodshed, we were just serving the country a long time ago.” His statement reflects the sentiment of many who served in the military during Assad’s rule but did not actively participate in the violence that marred Syria’s recent history.
Major Walid Abedrabbo, an officer in the interim government, explained that two centres had been established in the capital to facilitate the reconciliation process. The turnout, he noted, exceeded expectations. Applicants are required to hand over items related to their previous military service, such as machine guns, pistols, and identification cards. In return, they are given a temporary reconciliation ID while they await a permanent one. This process represents an attempt to reintegrate former soldiers into society, allowing them to regain their civilian status while contributing to the rebuilding of the nation.
While there has been some sectarian violence since the fall of Assad, the situation has not escalated to the levels that were feared after nearly 14 years of devastating civil war. Following the collapse of Assad’s regime, revenge killings have occurred, with many Syrians falling victim to acts of vengeance. According to activists and experts monitoring the situation, these killings, though tragic, have not reached the widespread and systemic violence that was anticipated.
Much of the relative peace in the country can be attributed to the efforts of the Islamic militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has played a significant role in stabilizing the country since Assad’s downfall. Originally linked to al-Qaeda, HTS has sought to distance itself from extremist actions and has emphasized unity among Syria’s various factions. The group has publicly denounced revenge killings, striving to maintain peace and order in a region scarred by years of conflict.
HTS’s role in the reconciliation process is critical, as it has worked to prevent further sectarian violence and push for a more inclusive future for all Syrians, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds. Despite its controversial past, HTS has positioned itself as a stabilizing force, with a commitment to reducing the ongoing cycle of revenge that has plagued the country since the war’s outbreak.
The reconciliation effort, while still in its early stages, marks a significant shift in Syria’s post-Assad landscape. The new interim government’s willingness to engage former soldiers, who may have once been seen as part of the oppressive system, suggests a potential for broader social and political healing. Whether these efforts will lead to lasting peace remains uncertain, but for now, the amnesty program offers hope to many Syrians who are eager to move beyond the violence of the past and rebuild their country.
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