Syria
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
5 / 100
Not Free
Internet Freedom
17 / 100
Not Free
Political rights and civil liberties in Syria are severely compromised by one of the world’s most repressive regimes and by other belligerent forces in an ongoing civil war. The regime prohibits genuine political opposition and harshly suppresses freedoms of speech and assembly. Corruption, enforced disappearances, military trials, and torture are rampant in government-controlled areas.
Research & Recommendations
Syria
Not Free
5
100
| PR Political Rights | -3 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 8 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
1
100
Not Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
Since 2011, political rights and civil liberties in Syria have been severely compromised by one of the world’s most repressive regimes and by other belligerent forces in a brutal civil war. Under longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad, genuine political opposition was prohibited and freedoms of speech and assembly were harshly suppressed. Corruption, enforced disappearances, military trials, and torture were rampant in government-controlled areas. Residents of contested regions or territory held by nonstate actors were subject to additional abuses, including intense and indiscriminate combat, sieges and interruptions of humanitarian aid, and mass displacement. A military offensive led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) prompted the Assad regime’s sudden collapse in December 2024.
Freedom in the World 2025 Policy Recommendations
Prioritize strengthening the rule of law and delivering economic dividends in the aftermath of political transitions
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
In countries emerging from war or the collapse of authoritarian regimes, focus on safety, reconciliation, reform
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
Bolster checks and balances to mitigate the threat of democratic backsliding
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.
News and Updates
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
5
/ 100
Not Free
Freedom on the Net Score
17
/ 100
Not Free
Population: 22,130,000
Internet Facts
Status
Not Free
Networks Restricted
Yes
Social Media Blocked
No
Websites Blocked
Yes
Pro-government Commentators
Yes
Users Arrested
Yes
Election Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
