Syria and Lebanon sign agreement on transfer of Syrian prisoners

Syria and Lebanon signed an agreement on Friday to transfer convicted Syrian prisoners from Lebanon to serve the remainder of their sentences in Syria.

Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais, speaking alongside Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri in Beirut, described the accord as a major humanitarian and legal step achieved after months of consultations and high-level contacts that began on December 8, 2024.

He said the agreement addresses cases of prisoners who have spent long periods in detention, many of them legally complex, noting that the move will help ease suffering and reassure detainees and their families.

Al-Wais added that judicial committees in both countries continue to meet to review the cases of detainees not covered by the current agreement, with plans to establish a timeline for resolving their files.

The minister conveyed greetings from President Ahmad al-Sharaa to the Lebanese leadership and people, and expressed appreciation for the cooperation of Lebanese authorities, thanking President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri, Justice Minister Adel Nassar, and the Lebanese judiciary for their role in reaching the agreement.

Al-Wais stressed that the accord reflects the depth of fraternal ties between Syria and Lebanon and a shared commitment to justice and human dignity.

For his part, Mitri said the agreement was the result of four months of joint work by judges and experts from both sides, built on trust and mutual respect. He noted that implementation will begin Saturday and that preparations are underway for an additional agreement covering other categories of Syrian detainees.

Mitri emphasized that Lebanese-Syrian relations are rooted in the interconnected destinies of the two countries, adding that cooperation on humanitarian and legal issues reflects a shared political will to enhance stability and coordination.

The Lebanese Cabinet approved the agreement on January 30, paving the way for Friday’s signing. Officials described the accord as part of broader efforts to address the issue of Syrian detainees, ensure justice, and safeguard their dignity and rights.