Detention of Syrian Lawyer Al-Jiyoush Sparks Outcry: A Call for Justice and Transparency
- Human Rights Research Center
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Author: Aamnah Fatima Khan
September 22, 2025
HRRC condemns the arbitrary detention of Malek Mahmoud al-Jiyoush, calling it a serious violation of international law and human rights. We demand his immediate release and an end to the practice of enforced disappearances in Syria.
![Malek Mahmoud al-Jiyoush [Image credit: SNHR]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e28a6b_c92be98411584671aee78aa843813e34~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_663,h_574,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/e28a6b_c92be98411584671aee78aa843813e34~mv2.jpg)
The Syrian government has come under fire for the arbitrary detention of lawyer Malek Mahmoud al-Jiyoush, Vice Chairman of Syriatel, a prominent telecommunications company in Syria. Al-Jiyoush was arrested in early September 2025 without a warrant, and his family has been unable to contact him or learn about his fate. The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) has condemned the detention, citing it as a "flagrant violation of international human rights law".
The detention of al-Jiyoush without a warrant or charges constitutes arbitrary detention, violating Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Furthermore, denying him access to his family and lawyer and failing to disclose the location of his detention constitutes a violation of fair trial guarantees. Human rights organizations emphasize that the failure to inform the detainee of the reason for his arrest and to deny him access to a lawyer or his family violates the basic guarantees of a fair trial stipulated in Articles 9 and 14 of the International Covenant.
The Syrian Future Movement has also expressed deep concern over al-Jiyoush's detention, stating that it undermines confidence in judicial institutions and enforces the logic of the security state at the expense of the rule of law. They believe that lawyers, as defenders of justice, must enjoy legal immunity and job security and not be targeted for their positions, opinions, or professional affiliations.
In light of these events, the SNHR and the Syrian Future Movement are urging the Syrian authorities to reveal al-Jiyoush's whereabouts, guarantee his safety and bring him to a fair and public trial, or release him immediately unless clear legal charges are brought against him. Additionally, they demand an independent judicial investigation to hold accountable those involved in his unlawful detention and to provide financial and moral compensation to the victim and his family if the violation is proven.
Glossary
Accountable: required or expected to justify actions or decisions.
Arbitrary: Based on random choice or personal opinion rather than reason or system.
Compensation: Payment or other forms of reparation given to someone for loss, injury, or hardship.
Condemns: Expresses strong disapproval or criticism.
Constitute: Form or make up something.
Detainee: A person held in custody, typically by the authorities.
Detention: The act of holding someone in custody, typically by the authorities.
Enforced Disappearances: When people are secretly abducted or imprisoned by a government or other organization, and their fate is unknown.
Fair Trial Guarantees: It ensures fair treatment for individuals accused of crimes by providing rights such as a public trial, legal representation, and knowledge of the charges and evidence.
Flagrant: Blatant or obvious, often in a way that shocks or offends.
Judicial Institutions: Organizations or systems that administer justice and interpret the law.
Legal Immunity: Protection from prosecution or legal action.
Public Trial: A court hearing that is open to the public.
Stipulated: To clearly state or demand something as a specific requirement or condition within an agreement, contract or rule.
Telecommunications Company: A company that provides services for transmitting information over long distances, such as phone or internet services.
Warrants: Documents issued by a court or authority that authorize an action, such as an arrest.
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