Manhel Saleh Al-Mousa

About Manhel

Manhel Saleh Al-Mousa is a defense lawyer committed to ensuring that every detainee has access to legal representation and fair trials. Mr Al-Mousa has experience training lawyers at the Free Syrian Bar Association in locations such as A’zaz Afrin, Al-Rai, Al-Bab and Jarablus. Building on his experience with IBJ, he has worked to protect the rights of juveniles, migrants, and other vulnerable groups. His work focuses on addressing gaps in the criminal justice system, including delays in legal representation, a lack of cooperation among legal actors, and the absence of specialized support for women and marginalized individuals. He conducted humanitarian needs assessments during the war and volunteered to distribute food where needed.

The Challenge

Mr. Al-Mousa highlights a series of challenges that impede access to justice. He argues that the public has little trust in the legal system due to police misconduct, including arbitrary detention, physical assault, and torture during arrest or interrogation. Little awareness of legal rights in the country further prevents individuals from effectively engaging with the justice system. Accused individuals often face delays or refusals in obtaining qualified legal representation, while victims of sex trafficking encounter discrimination and further victimization. In addition, limited cooperation and a lack of shared understanding among legal actors create inefficiency and often lead to long and expensive trials for the accused and for the victims. Mr. Al-Mousa also finds that women face disadvantages due to gender discrimination and/or criminalization, and persons living with HIV/AIDS frequently lack adequate legal protection within the criminal justice system.

The Innovation: Mobilizing Legal Defense for Detainees Without Lawyers or Financial Means

This project aims to provide legal support to detainees who otherwise would have no access to lawyers or resources in Aleppo, Northern Aleppo, Azaz, Afrin, Al-Ra’I, Akhtarin, and Mare’. By combining free legal representation with direct visits to detention centers and courts, the project aims to ensure legal representation for men, women, and juveniles. It also includes specialized attention for vulnerable groups, such as female detainees, ensuring that their legal rights are protected and that consultations are provided with confidentiality and gender sensitivity.