Lebanon, Syria Strike Deal to Transfer Home Over 300 Syrian Prisoners
The deal was unveiled during a joint press briefing in the Lebanese capital, where Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri appeared alongside Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar Al-Wais to detail the arrangement addressing a contentious bilateral issue.
According to Mitri, the transfer encompasses convicted prisoners and "reflects a shared political will between Beirut and Damascus to reset bilateral relations on the basis of mutual trust and respect."
The deputy prime minister characterized the initiative as a concrete measure to resolve the situation of Syrian nationals incarcerated in Lebanon—many detained throughout Syria's prolonged civil conflict.
Al-Wais revealed that Syrian authorities are developing a multi-stage strategy to handle cases excluded from the initial transfer.
"The file of Syrian prisoners is complex and cannot be resolved through a single, comprehensive arrangement," the justice minister stated, emphasizing the pact marks a crucial advance toward justice while establishing a framework for ongoing inter-governmental coordination.
The current agreement follows an October 10, 2025 announcement from Damascus regarding a preliminary understanding with Beirut to repatriate Syrian detainees not facing murder convictions. That breakthrough emerged after Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani led a delegation to Lebanon.
Government data indicates approximately 2,500 Syrians remain in Lebanese prisons—representing roughly one-third of the nation's entire inmate population.
Diplomatic momentum accelerated when Mitri conducted an official November 20, 2025 visit to Syria, meeting President Ahmad al-Sharaa and other top officials. The engagement forms part of revitalized diplomatic efforts to resolve pending disputes and enhance bilateral cooperation following the Assad regime's collapse in late 2024.
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