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Strict Measures on Property Rentals for Those with Iranian Relatives in Damascus
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The new decision reflects the Syrian regime's attempts to control population movements in Damascus, especially those related to Iranian and Hezbollah presence
Damascus municipalities have introduced strict security conditions for those wishing to rent properties who have familial ties to Iranian passport holders, with restrictions affecting residents in Shiite community areas.
An official from one of Damascus's municipalities revealed to Syria TV opposition website that they refused to grant an apartment rental in Al-Muhajirin to a person who has a relative from Zain Al-Abidin area holding Iranian nationality, noting increased security monitoring of people with potential Iranian family connections.
The new procedures also include Lebanese arrivals from the south, in anticipation of connections with Hezbollah leadership or Iranian officials. The source explained that a recent decision was issued to address the loophole of Iranians and Hezbollah leaders using trusted relatives, acquaintances, or Syrian intermediaries to rent homes.
These restrictions were preceded by recent contract registration amendments, noting that security approval for rentals has been "theoretically" suspended since 2018, while continuing to apply to Palestinians and displaced persons from Damascus countryside.
The new decision to modify rental contract registration procedures targets Syrians who rent properties to Iranian figures or Hezbollah members. The decision tasks police stations with receiving rental contracts and referring them to the Ministry of Interior to study the tenant's file, with patrols to verify the occupant's identity.
The decision includes assigning police units to verify tenant status and take immediate measures such as detention or surveillance if they pose a public security risk, while urging citizens to report suspicious tenants.
A legal position criticizing the decision emerged, with a lawyer who refused to reveal his identity pointing to constitutional violations in the decision, emphasizing that police powers exceed judicial jurisdiction.
The lawyer warned Syria TV opposition website about potential exploitation of the decision in extortion operations by police elements and collaborators, expecting negative implications for the real estate market due to multiple security agencies' intervention.
The lawyer suggested limiting the decision to foreigners in a more diplomatic format, such as requiring rental applications through municipalities with security checks without such formal announcement.
Levant-Syria TV
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