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Pursuit of Lawyer Fawaz Bahauddin Al-Khougha on Charges of Spreading False News
According to media sources, Syrian authorities have initiated legal action against lawyer Fawaz Bahauddin Al-Khougha on charges of “spreading false news that undermines the dignity of the state,” in accordance with Article 28 of Law No. 20 of 2020 issued by the Assad regime. This move comes within a context of escalation against figures considered opponents or those openly expressing their opinions, especially after recent statements he made during protests in front of the Damascus
Chamber of Commerce, where he explained the repercussions of the decision to close commercial shops. He also participated in a preparatory committee meeting for the parliamentary elections at the Damascus Opera House, where he voiced his objections to certain slogans and proposals he considered contradictory to the sacrifices of Syrians during the revolution.
While some acknowledge that the law aims to protect the regime from false news, others see this measure as dangerous to freedom of expression and threatening a segment of intellectuals and lawyers who wish to exercise their right to voice their opinions, especially amid the deteriorating political situation and restrictions on criticism.
Amid ongoing controversy, observers are questioning the legality of this procedure given the worsening human rights conditions, and whether its aim is to protect officials or to politicize the human rights file and silence opposition voices, particularly those criticizing the regime openly.
Does such prosecution represent a restriction on freedom of expression, or is it a legal measure within the framework of combating false news? And what is the future of freedoms under a regime tightening its grip on society and politics?
