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Syria: Justice Minister Implicated in Killing Women Demands Re-arrest of Ordinary Prisoners
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Angry Reactions to Al-Weisi's Appointment Reflect Widespread Popular Rejection of Interim Government Policies Ignoring Crimes of Its Officials
Shadi Al-Weisi, implicated in the field execution of two women according to a documented video, issued a decision as Justice Minister in the Damascus interim government demanding the re-arrest of ordinary prisoners released after the organization's control of prisons during the past month.
Circular No. (28) triggered widespread criticism on social media platforms. Activist Alaa Amer commented, questioning: "Does the decision not include women killers, and make an exception for himself?" - a clear reference to Al-Weisi's own involvement in murder.
Citizen Ayman Ali emphasized the necessity of including Al-Weisi himself, saying: "The decision must include you because your natural place is prison", while Suzanne Sheikhо asked: "Aren't they the ones who killed criminals in criminal cases on the streets?" - referring to Tahrir al-Sham's involvement in extrajudicial killings.
The circular contained claims asserting that "one of the goals of the blessed Syrian revolution and the liberation process from the defunct regime is releasing political detainees", ignoring that Tahrir al-Sham itself opened prison doors and released detainees indiscriminately.
Al-Weisi, in a stark contradiction to his criminal past, demanded courts, investigation departments, and public prosecution to enumerate names of those detained and convicted of ordinary crimes, with the aim of re-arresting them to complete their trials.
These developments reflect the interim government's attempt to portray itself as a state capable of enforcing law, despite its leadership's involvement in documented crimes against civilians.
Observers believe the decision's focus on ordinary prisoners without addressing those responsible for extrajudicial killings reveals a double standard of justice under Tahrir al-Sham's rule, which attempts to legitimize its authority through forming an interim government.
Angry public reactions to Al-Weisi's appointment confirm widespread rejection of interim government policies that ignore the criminal past of its officials and seek to impose authority through non-credible and illegitimate decisions.
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