Syrian Parliament Moves to Challenge 1980 Ban on Muslim Brotherhood

Syrian parliamentarians have recently initiated efforts to gather the required signatures to submit a proposal for repealing "Law 49" of 1980, which criminalizes affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood and mandates the death penalty for those convicted. This move comes as the movement shows signs of returning to political life after decades of ostracism.

Historical Context of the Ban

The boycott began during the rule of Hafez al-Assad, an Alawite whose community was not viewed as genuinely Muslim by the Muslim Brotherhood. The Syrian president opposed the radical ideology that viewed Islam, particularly Sunni Islam, as supreme, and consequently decided to outlaw the movement. Following the enactment of the law, al-Assad launched a sweeping arrest campaign against organization members that lasted for years, relentlessly persecuting its activists.

Al-Julani and Political Dynamics

Logically, it might have seemed that al-Julani, who grew up and was educated under the ideology of al-Qaeda—a terrorist organization that evolved from the Muslim Brotherhood—would legitimize the movement upon taking power. However, in his second month in office, in January 2025, al-Julani repealed numerous laws established by the Assad family regime, while the law against the movement was notably not among those officially rescinded, even as other previously relevant parties were barred from re-establishment.

An expert on Islamic movements interviewed in Saudi Arabia argued that bringing the proposal before the parliament will serve as a test for al-Julani, who has been hesitant to restore the movement. The Syrian leader, who has asserted that he and his government constitute a transitional administration, now faces an important political test because failing to bring the movement back into politics could be interpreted as a sign of fear of losing power to the group.

"The return of the Muslim Brotherhood would symbolize to many citizens a victory over the tyrannical rule of the Assad family," noted a regional expert, highlighting the complex political landscape in post-Assad Syria.

Meanwhile, approval of the proposal by the parliament is expected to take time. Yet, regardless of the decision, it will soon become clear whether Syria has truly changed or if al-Julani intends to establish himself as the new Assad.