Shadi Al-Waisi
VIDEO: New Syrian justice minister linked to 2015 execution of woman in Idlib
Videos have surfaced on social media showing a 2015 execution of two women accused of "corruption and prostitution," with many claiming that Shadi Al-Waisi, the new Syrian Minister of Justice, was the man reading the verdicts.
In response, the platform Verify-sy launched a detailed investigation, utilizing advanced technical tools to compare the voice and features of the man in the video with those of Waisi, who had recently been featured in several interviews.
Despite the low quality of the recordings, the results showed a high degree of match, according to Verify-sy.
A senior official in the new Syrian administration, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss this sensitive matter, provided a special statement to Verify-sy: “The video in question documents the enforcement of the law at a specific time and location, with procedures carried out in accordance with the laws in effect at that period and as part of a procedural agreement.”
“However, we want to emphasize that this process reflects a past phase we have since moved beyond. Given the current legal and procedural changes, it is inappropriate to generalize this event or use it to describe the present situation, considering the differing circumstances and frameworks,” the statement added.
Online reactions
Calls for his removal from authority grew after the incident went viral on social media. Many expressed outrage, calling it catastrophic and demanding immediate dismissal.
Some defended the actions, citing the application of Sharia law, while others argued that such an execution, particularly for adultery, contradicts even the principles of Islamic law.
There were also suggestions that the situation might be part of a larger act of revenge, with varying opinions on the complexities of the context, especially in times of war compared to peace.
Who is Shadi Al-Waisi?
Shadi Al-Waisi is a Syrian currently serving as the Minister of Justice following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. He holds a degree in Islamic law and is pursuing a master's in Islamic and judicial studies, according to the Syrian Memory Institution.
Waisi has worked as an Islamic studies teacher, imam, and Sharia judge. He played a key role in establishing the Sharia Authority in Aleppo and held several judicial positions, including in the Syrian Salvation Government.
He became the Minister of Justice in January 2023 and was reappointed to the same position in the new Syrian government in December 2024.
