Syrian rebels suspend constitution to oversee power shift

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

Two committees will be formed: one judicial and the other focused on human rights, which will analyze the constitution and propose amendments, Arnaut explained. The rebels, led by Abu Muhamad al-Jaulani, the leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), took control in Damascus on December 8 and appointed Mohamed al-Bashir as the prime minister of the interim government. His term is set to last until March 1, 2025.

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

He added that "all those who committed crimes against the Syrian nation will be judged according to the law." When asked about the new government's policy on individual freedom and religion, he assured "respect for religious and cultural diversity in Syria."

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