Syria issues a circular to regulate and license peaceful demonstrations within legal frameworks

The Syrian Ministry of Interior issued a new circular outlining the mechanism for regulating and licensing demonstrations within approved legal frameworks, aiming to achieve a balance between the right to demonstrate and maintaining public security and citizen safety.

According to the circular, those wishing to organize a demonstration must form an organizing committee comprising a president and at least two members. The license application must be submitted to the relevant governorate, which in turn refers it within a maximum period of 24 hours to the competent committee for consideration.

The committee decides on the application within five days from the date of its receipt. If no response is provided within the specified period, it is considered an implicit approval to organize the demonstration. Applicants also have the right to appeal the rejection decision before the Administrative Judiciary Court within a week from the date of notification.

The circular stipulates that the competent authorities are responsible for providing the necessary protection for licensed demonstrations, while the organizing committee is committed to maintaining public order and preventing any practices, slogans, or actions that exceed the scope of the license or violate laws.

The circular also grants the Ministry of Interior the right to request the termination of a demonstration if it exceeds the license limits or witnesses riots, crimes, or any disruption to public security and order.