President al-Assad Issues Law on Establishing Court to Look into Terrorism-linked Crimes

President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday issued law No. 22 for 2012 on establishing a court to look into terrorism-linked issues with its headquarters in Damascus.

The law provides for the possibility of establishing more other headquarters when necessary by a decision from the Higher Judicial Council.

The court has jurisdiction over civilian and military personnel.

Minister of Justice Radwan al-Habib said the anti-terrorism law No 19 includes putting appropriate legal rules for the high-risk crimes in a way that achieves a balance between the rights of the citizens to guarantee their freedom and dignity and the right of the state to protect its integrity and preserve its higher interests.