Syrian MP Shadi Dibsi stripped of seat after acquiring Turkish citizenship
Syrian People’s Assembly, 2016 (AFP Photo)
The Syrian parliament voted to strip MP Shadi Dibsi of his position due to his acquisition of Turkish citizenship. According to Syrian parliamentary regulations, MPs are prohibited from holding dual citizenship.
MP Dibsi loses seat over Turkish citizenship
As reported by Syria’s official news agency, SANA, the decision was made during the fifth session of the fourth legislative period, held on Thursday.
The session was chaired by Hammuda Sabbah, head of the Syrian parliament. The parliament approved the dismissal of Aleppo MP Dibsi under Article 243 of the parliamentary bylaws.
Dibsi’s acquisition of Turkish citizenship was cited as the primary reason for the termination of his seat in parliament.
Dual citizenship violation leads to dismissal
Syrian parliamentary bylaws state that MPs must meet specific eligibility criteria, including holding only Syrian citizenship. If an MP loses one of these qualifications, the parliament can vote by an absolute majority to revoke their seat.
The decision will be submitted to the Constitutional Court within seven days of its publication. The court will review the case and, if it confirms the violation of eligibility criteria, the MP’s position will be officially revoked. The court’s ruling will then be communicated to the Presidency of the People’s Assembly.
