Justice Minister: Counter-terrorism court to begin work after end of current judicial recess

DAMASCUS– Minister of Justice Dr. Najm al-Ahmad said that his ministry has finished preparations for beginning the work of the Counter-Terrorism Court which will start following the end of the current judicial recess.

In an interview with the Syrian TV on Friday, al-Ahmad said that this court was created due to the violations committed by terrorist groups in Syria, pointing out that establishing the court and issuing Law No. 19 on counter-terrorism constitute efforts to combat the terrorism which is killing Syrians and vandalizing properties during the current crisis.

He explained that the court's judges were selected by the Higher Judicial Council with the exception of a single military judge, since the court will try both civilians and military personnel.

Al-Ahmad stressed that the judiciary in Syria is independent, but it seeks to reach the highest degree of independence and heads towards specialization, adding that his ministry formed committees to study existing laws and develop them.