The announcement regarding the reopening of the courts in Suwaida and the resumption of hearings and all judicial procedures on November 23, 2025, sparked widespread questions and astonishment, especially since the announcement came from the branch of the Bar Association that had previously resigned and described the current government as a “government of terrorism,” and because it was not officially issued directly by the Ministry of Justice.
According to reports, the Public Prosecutor in Suwaida issued the decision, suggesting prior coordination with the Minister of Justice himself. This opens the door to a number of legal and practical problems that cannot be ignored.
First: How can the courts resume operations without their residents?
Suwaida is currently a forcibly depopulated governorate, after the displacement of at least a quarter of its inhabitants, specifically from the tribes and the Sunni community, who have pending cases and rights before the governorate's courts.
So how can trials resume and cases proceed without the presence of the plaintiffs?
Who will guarantee their rights and follow up on their cases when they are unable to return or attend court? Resuming judicial work in this situation renders justice merely formal and incomplete, and could practically pave the way for the loss of rights for an entire segment of the province's population.
Second: The Absence of the Sharia Court and its Officials
The Sharia Court in Suwaida is virtually paralyzed, and the competent judges are absent.
So how will Sharia cases be adjudicated?
Who will handle personal status matters, inheritance, marriage, divorce, guardianship, and others?
These are cases that cannot be frozen or resolved without competent judges.
Third: Transferring personal claims to police stations… Which police stations?
How will personal claims be transferred to police stations in Suwaida, which do not recognize the authority of the Syrian government and do not operate under its actual administration?
Doesn't this implicitly constitute recognition by the Ministry of Justice of the existing local authority in the city?
And can the Ministry compel these authorities to carry out arrests, issue reports, or serve summonses?
Fourth: Contradiction with the Minister of Justice's Own Decision
The Minister of Justice had previously declared all deadlines and appeals in Suwaida suspended "until further notice" due to security conditions.
So how can the courts resume now without this "further notice"?
Who bears responsibility for this legal contradiction, which could invalidate the proceedings and create judicial chaos?
Kinan Ibn al-Jabal - Zaman al-Wasl
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