Overview
We are not aware of any HIV-specific laws in Syria, however there are general disease provisions which may apply in cases of alleged HIV transmission.
Article 590 of the Penal Code makes it an offence for someone, through negligence or failure to observe laws and regulations, to cause the spread of a disease. The penalty available is a fine, unless the conduct was intentional, where a prison sentence of one to three years applies in addition to a fine.
Similarly, Article 592 states that someone who fails to observe special regulations to combat epidemics can be punished with up to six months’ imprisonment and a fine.
Article 498 applies a sentence enhancement in cases of rape or sexual assault where the aggressor is living with ‘syphilis or any other disease’.
We are not aware of any reported HIV cases in Syria.
Laws
Penal Code
Article 498
1. In accordance with the provisions of Article 247, the penalties for felonies provided for in this chapter:
(…)
If the aggressor is infected with syphilis or any other disease or harm caused by a disability of more than ten days, or the aggressed person is a first-barn, she is removed with her car.
2 – If one of the aforementioned crimes leads to the death of the aggressor and the perpetrator did not want this result, the penalty shall not be less than fifteen years.
Article 590
1. Who caused the lack of precaution, neglect or failure to observe laws or regulations in the spread of a communicable disease of man was punished with a fine of between one hundred and two hundred liras.
2. And if the perpetrator does it while he is aware of the matter without intending the death of anyone, he will be punished with imprisonment from one to three years in addition to a fine.
Article 592
Anyone who does not observe special regulations to combat epidemics, septs, plant diseases, locusts and other harmful animals shall be punished by imprisonment for up to six months and a fine of up to one hundred liras.