Tabqa residents demand repeal of former regime laws

Residents of Tabqa held a protest on Friday calling for the repeal of a number of decrees and laws issued during the rule of the former Syrian regime, a review of their impact and the restoration of rights to their owners.

Participants held up banners and signs rejecting the continued implementation of these laws and calling for an end to decades of injustice and unfairness. They said the measures arising from them had affected residents’ property and land rights and sources of livelihood.

The protesters called for the repeal of Decree No. 66 of 2012, which allowed for the establishment of regulatory zones and the redevelopment of informal settlements. They said its implementation had affected residents’ properties and real estate and resulted in violations of owners’ rights.

They also called for the repeal of Decree No. 88 of 1963, concerning expropriation procedures for the public interest and the transfer of ownership of land and property, and for the return of property and rights to their rightful owners.

Participants stressed that land and sources of livelihood are a red line for them, and that addressing the consequences of these decrees and decisions must involve restoring rights to their owners and providing redress to those affected.