Syria and Lebanon Agree to Transfer Syrian Prisoners Except Those Convicted of Murder

Damascus announced an agreement with Beirut to transfer Syrian prisoners held in Lebanon, excluding those convicted of murder, following a visit by a Syrian delegation led by Foreign Minister Asaad Al‑Sheibani.

“Recent talks between Syria and Lebanon have centered on Syrian detainees held in Lebanon and Lebanese citizens missing in Syria”

Enab Baladi

Syrian officials said the issue was discussed in three meetings with direct communication, and praised Lebanon’s response.

Enab Baladi

Parallel tracks between the two countries set up joint committees to address detainees, missing persons, and borders.

Enab Baladi reports reciprocal visits, a September 1 meeting with Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri, and the creation of two committees.

Daily Sabah situates the breakthrough in a broader revival of Syria‑Lebanon diplomacy.

Nowlebanon frames the talks within a post‑Assad normalization push, noting committees and mediation amid efforts to move beyond past conflicts.

The scale and legal framing of the detainee file differ across sources.

Enab Baladi estimates approximately 2,000 Syrian prisoners and notes that Syria requested the transfer of all detainees and access to files.

KX News

Lebanon insists on legal procedures and serving sentences before any extradition.

Al-Jazeera Net also cites around 2,000 detainees and adds that many charges are considered fabricated and linked to support for the Syrian revolution or aid to opposition groups.

They confirm the agreed exclusion of murder convicts from transfer.

In contrast, Nowlebanon claims there are about 9,000 Syrian detainees in Lebanon, many held without trial under harsh conditions.

Nowlebanon also reports that 1,300 detainees are awaiting trial, highlighting a significantly wider humanitarian problem.

Mechanically, the process has advanced through formal channels and multiple high-level engagements.

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WTOP

Al-Jazeera Net says the file was discussed in three meetings and that the delegation included Syria’s Justice Minister and Intelligence Chief.

Enab Baladi details a September 1 meeting with Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri, the formation of two joint committees, and their first session in Damascus on September 8.

This was followed by a visit by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani to Beirut on October 10, 2025.

Daily Sabah places these steps within a broader thaw—shifting the once-symbolic joint council into active problem-solving—and links recent security incidents and a subsequent cease-fire to the urgency of coordination.

Nowlebanon adds that Saudi Arabia is mediating border and security talks after deadly clashes in 2024.

Rights and humanitarian perspectives on detainees in Lebanon differ significantly.

Al-Jazeera Net reports that many charges against Syrian detainees are believed to be fabricated and linked to support for the Syrian revolution or assistance to opposition groups.

thenationalnews

The report also mentions that Damascus praised Lebanon’s positive response regarding these detainees.

Enab Baladi highlights Lebanon’s legal position that many detainees face charges related to clashes with the Lebanese army and must complete their sentences before any extradition.

Nowlebanon broadens the discussion by describing approximately 9,000 detainees, many of whom have been held without trial for years under harsh conditions.

The report also notes increasing discrimination, harassment, and deportations against refugees in 2024.

Additionally, hunger strikes have been organized by detainees demanding repatriation.

Coverage scope varies by outlet and source type.

“Syria said on Friday during a visit to Beirut by a delegation headed by Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani that it had reached an agreement with Lebanon to transfer Syrian prisoners not convicted of murder”

thenationalnews

West Asian outlets focus tightly on the Syria-Lebanon file.

thenationalnews

Al-Jazeera Net centers on the transfer decision and the exclusion of murder convicts.

Daily Sabah highlights the broader thaw and cease-fire dynamics.

By contrast, The National (Western Alternative) includes unrelated items, from a weakened militant group facing pressure to disarm to business and culture briefs.

This reveals a diffuse news agenda.

KX News (Other) offers no substantive content on this topic, merely asking for article details.

These contrasts underscore how outlet priorities shape what readers learn about the prisoner transfer.