Rights Monitor Syria expresses its deep concern and condemnation regarding the decision issued by the Syrian Ministry of Information to ban three media platforms from conducting any activity within Syrian territory. This step serves as a troubling indicator of the restriction of freedom of expression and media work during a sensitive phase that was expected to witness greater openness following the fall of the regime.
Rights Monitor Syria has reviewed the circular issued by the Syrian Ministry of Information, which mandates the prohibition of the “Hashtag” platform, as well as the “Jusoor News” and “Al-Dalil” platforms, from operating inside Syria. The justification provided is their failure to obtain the requisite formal licenses from the General Directorate of Journalistic and Media Affairs.
According to the circular, the decision is based on prevailing laws and decrees, specifically Circular No. 18 dated June 15, 2025, and Circular No. 57 dated October 20, 2025. These regulations require media institutions to obtain licenses or renew previously granted ones, under penalty of revocation.
Furthermore, the circular included an explicit threat of legal prosecution against any natural or legal person who cooperates or works in any capacity with these platforms within Syrian territory. This expands the scope of restrictions to include individuals and media workers, fostering a climate of intimidation and self-censorship.
Rights Monitor Syria considers this decision a clear violation of the right to freedom of expression and freedom of the media—rights guaranteed under international human rights standards, including Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
While states have the right to regulate media work through legal frameworks, licensing requirements must not be utilized as a tool to restrict or silence independent media outlets, nor to impose unjustified constraints that impede media pluralism. Additionally, the threat of prosecution for media cooperation is a disproportionate measure that undermines the environment necessary for free journalistic work.
This decision comes in the post-regime phase, a time when the country was expected to see an improvement in the climate of public freedoms, particularly the freedom of the press and media. However, such measures reflect the persistence of a restrictive approach that may limit the opportunities for building an independent and pluralistic media space.
In light of the above, Rights Monitor Syria demands the following:
The immediate reversal of the decision banning the three media platforms from operating.
The cessation of any legal proceedings or prosecutions against those working for or cooperating with these platforms.
Ensuring that licensing procedures are transparent, fair, non-discriminatory, and not used as a means to restrict media freedom.
Adherence to international human rights standards, particularly those relating to freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
Rights Monitor Syria affirms that protecting media freedom is a fundamental pillar of any genuine democratic transition, and that restricting the work of media platforms threatens the public’s right to access information and undermines the foundations of transparency and accountability.
