Muhammad Al-Saleh
Quote
“Throughout my work, I saw firsthand how the lack of early access to legal counsel or denial of fair trial rights often led to torture, harsh detention conditions, and a loss of trust in the judicial system”
About Muhammad
Muhammad Al-Saleh is a defense lawyer with more than 15 years of experience in human rights and criminal justice. His motivation comes from seeing how the lack of early access to legal counsel and fair trials leads to violations, torture, and a loss of trust in the justice system. He has led legal advisory teams at Syria Relief in areas such as Atarib, Orem, and Kafr Naha, reaching hundreds of people and building networks with the local lawyers. He is passionate about studying legal philosophy and keeping up with justice system reforms worldwide. Mr Al-Saleh is also active in community volunteering and supports initiatives that encourage civic engagement and strengthen cooperation within society.
The Challenge
Mr. Al-Saleh identifies a lack of awareness of legal rights, not only among citizens, but also among government employees responsible for upholding the law. This knowledge gap makes it difficult for individuals to navigate legal procedures and undermines the rule of law in the country. He further notes that accused persons frequently encounter delays or outright refusals when seeking qualified legal representation, a barrier that significantly compromises their right to a fair process. An additional layer to these issues that creates further confusion is the limited cooperation and shared understanding among judges, police officers, prosecutors, prison officials, and other justice sector actors.
The Innovation: Justice Hotline – Free and Immediate Legal Consultations
Mr Al-Saleh’s project introduces a digital model for early legal intervention in Aleppo and its countryside. The initiative centers on an encrypted hotline and a digital platform that connect recently detained individuals and their families with qualified volunteer lawyers. He recognizes that early access to legal counsel is one of the most effective protections against torture, ill-treatment, and unlawful practices. The model is designed to be inclusive and responsive to the needs of vulnerable groups. Volunteer lawyers will receive training on early representation methods as well as guidance on working with women and children in sensitive legal contexts.