Syrian rebels suspend constitution to reshape governance

The Syrian rebels who have taken control of the country have decided to suspend the constitution and the activities of parliament for a period of three months. During this time, the transfer of power is planned. This information was reported by the AFP agency, citing Obaid Arnaut, the spokesperson for the new cabinet appointed by authorities in Damascus.

Two committees, judicial and human rights, will be established to review the constitution and suggest amendments, explained Arnaut. The rebels, under the leadership of Abu Muhamad al-Jolani, leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), took power in Damascus on December 8th and appointed Mohamed al-Bashir as the prime minister of the interim government. His term will last until March 1, 2025.

Arnaut reported that a meeting took place on Tuesday between ministers of the new government and former heads of departments from the time of Bashar al-Assad. The purpose of the talks was to establish details regarding the transfer of power. A representative of the interim government assured that the task of the new cabinet is to build a state of law after more than half a century of the Assad clan's bloody rule.

He added that "all those who committed crimes against the Syrian people will be judged in accordance with the law." When asked about the new government's policy on issues of individual freedom and religion, he assured that "we respect religious and cultural diversity in Syria."

In Syria, the majority are Sunnis who are currently in power, raising concerns among members of the Alawite minority to which the Assad clan belonged. From the outset of the offensive, the rebels declared their intention to build institutions and a country where Syrians, regardless of faith, can live in peace. However, experts advise caution, pointing out the fundamentalist roots of the HTS organization and its fighters.