HRW Says Syria New Property Law Discourages Return

A human rights watchdog has said the Syrian government is passing laws to allow itself to seize private property, displace residents, and discourage refugees from returning to the war-battered country.

Human Rights Watch said a 2018 property law, known as Law 10 and slammed by several Lebanese officials, empowers authorities to confiscate property without compensating the owners or giving them an opportunity to appeal.

The Syrian Government passed Law 10 in April to create "redevelopment zones" to rebuild property damaged in the seven years of civil war.

HRW released a report on Tuesday saying the Syrian government also passed two previous laws, in 2012, letting authorities seize property and assets without due process.

The New York-based watchdog says the Damascus government has a record of using these laws to demolish neighborhoods that opposed President Bashar Assad's rule.