Decree Protects Security, Police Forces

A new official decree provides greater scope for the police and security forces to operated without accountability, the opposition website Levant News reported on October 10.



Decree number 69, which has not been publicised in domestic state media, limits the right of individuals to file cases against the security forces for violations of their rights. The army, air force, state security service and police are all granted greater protection from legal action.



A source in the human rights community told the London-based Levant News that the decree would grant unprecedented immunity to the security forces, which already use torture without being held accountable. All lawsuits brought against them will be transferred from civil courts to military tribunals.



The pro-government website Syrian Days offered a different point of view. In an October 10 report, the site said the decree would protect customs and police officers, especially when they engaged in armed confrontations with smugglers and wanted individuals. It said the security forces often hesitate to use weapons for fear of legal action.



The All4Syria site, which is pro-government but advocates for reform, suggested that the first victim of the decree might have been 31-year-old human rights activist Sami Matow, killed by customs officers in his home village of Musherfah, east of Homs, on October 14. Villagers pressed the authorities to prosecute those responsible for his death.