Law Expert: Weak judiciary, factionalism threaten Syria’s stability, citizenship

Analysis of Crime and Security Collapse Lawyer and international law expert Mehei aldin Lala analyzed the background of crimes, kidnappings, and lawlessness in areas under the Transitional Government’s control. He said, “The rise in crime in Syria is due to the absence of a cohesive judiciary independent from political authority. The judiciary should serve society and aim to ensure stability and justice within Syria’s legal framework.”

He added, “What is happening today results from the lack of a real justice system and the absence of accountability. A functional penal system would act as a deterrent and reduce crimes and kidnappings. Instead, security agencies themselves—intended to protect society—are often part of the problem. General security and certain security elements are accused in many cases of worsening the security situation and increasing crime and kidnappings, without any real prosecutions or deterrent measures. This lack of accountability perpetuates lawlessness.”

Lala noted that the current insecurity stems from a new authority that replaced the previous one but is more focused on consolidating rule than on community safety. “The absence of functional security agencies leads to chaos, as seen in all dictatorial systems, where security relies on a central apparatus rather than community-based principles.

 Today, the security apparatus has fragmented into cantons and disorganized groups, lacking a real hierarchical structure, often formed rapidly by uncoordinated factions, as confirmed by crime reports from the coastal regions.”

Factional Domination of State Institutions

Lala explained that Syria is currently governed according to group interests rather than nation-building principles. “Extremist groups control key state functions. Extremism will not diminish but expand. Syria needs a real state leadership, but the current reality reflects the rule of extremist factions.”

On the social and political impact of extremist mindsets, he added: “Rule guided by extremist religious ideology entrenches radicalization, sectarian divisions, and prejudice, making social relations dependent on religious and sectarian identity. This threatens humanization and citizenship, and may lead to the disintegration of the Syrian state.”

Lala emphasized that priority must be given to restructuring the judiciary and separating it from political authority, supported by effective laws and real enforcement. “The judiciary should be disciplined and equipped to serve society, not the ruling power. Its goal is justice and the public good, not the empowerment of any political actor. Only then can institutions operate properly and security stabilize, as justice originates from the judicial system.”

Role of the International Community

Regarding international involvement, he stated that foreign actors should support citizenship and act as external monitors. Reports by non-governmental organizations have highlighted crimes in southern and coastal Syria.

Lala stressed that international oversight is essential, including practical implementation on the ground, to ensure that Security Council resolutions promoting justice and citizenship are enforced.

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ANHA