Syria’s interim government has launched its promised amnesty initiative for soldiers who served under ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad, according to a report by The Associated Press.
On Saturday, hundreds of individuals gathered at the former headquarters of the country’s Baath Party in Damascus to participate in interrogations regarding their actions toward Syrian civilians and dissidents while serving in the military.
Applicants were reportedly assigned registration numbers and provided with a questionnaire to complete before being allowed to leave on their own accord. Those seeking forgiveness for their involvement with al-Assad’s armed forces will be required to return for follow-up interviews in a few weeks, after which a final decision will be made.
This program, announced on December 11, aims to foster national reconciliation in the war-torn country. According to Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, conscripts who are cleared of human rights abuses will not face future legal consequences.
The news outlet indicated that in recent days, several other processing locations have been opened throughout the nation.
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