Syrian President Bashar al-Assad

SYRIA: ASSAD ISSUES 'COUNTER-TERROR' LAWS

July 2, 2012: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad issued three new "counter-terrorism" laws, the official SANA news agency said, nearly 16 months into a deadly crackdown on an uprising against his rule.
"Those who create or direct terrorist groups may be sentenced with 10 to 20 years of hard labour, but the punishment may be more severe if the goal is to change the regime or the structure of the state," said the text of the laws passed on June 28.
"If these (terrorist) acts result in death or disability for the victims, the death sentence may be imposed," it added.
Moreover, "the financing of terrorism, including any action to collect and directly or indirectly provide money, weapons, ammunition, explosives, communication equipment or intelligence to aid acts of terrorism are punishable by 15 to 20 years in prison."
The lowest penalty is five years in prison for acts that do not result in loss of life or property.
Another law says state employees convicted of "any act of terrorism -- whether he is directly engaged, an accessory to the crime, or providing material or moral support to terrorist groups in any way -- will be fired," SANA said.
This law also applies to former government employees, who risk losing their pensions if convicted.
A third law provides for jail terms of 10 to 20 years with hard labour and a fine for any kidnapping for ransom, the news agency said.
SANA said that during a debate on June 28, members of parliament said the laws were "needed at this stage, given the negative impact of terrorism on the security of the country and its citizens." (Sources: Afp, 02/07/2012)