Syria and Lebanon: A New Path for Judicial Cooperation and the Repatriation of Fugitive Officials

In a notable development in Syrian-Lebanese relations, Syrian Minister of Justice Mazhar Al-Wais, during his visit to Beirut, formally requested the Lebanese authorities to allow him access to Roumieh Prison and to hand over former officials affiliated with the "deposed regime" who are wanted by Syrian justice. The meeting revealed a strong alignment between the two countries regarding legal issues. Al-Wais stressed the importance of advancing judicial cooperation, considering recent legal and constitutional changes in Syria, and affirmed that any upcoming agreement will be based on the principles of justice and respect for both countries’ sovereignty.

The Syrian minister highlighted the convergence of views with Lebanon on political and judicial matters, particularly security files and Syrian fugitives, especially those connected to the previous regime. He also confirmed continued efforts to jointly uncover the truth and pursue justice in high-profile issues between the two sides, including security incidents that took place within Lebanon involving Syrian nationals.

This move reflects the genuine desire of Damascus and Beirut to build new mechanisms for judicial cooperation, focusing on extradition of wanted individuals and exchanging information about detainees and resident Syrians in Lebanon, paving the way for a formal agreement that embodies the latest political and constitutional transformations in Syria.