Blocking Property of Senior Officials of the Government of Syria

May 20, 2011

Summary

Freezes the U.S. assets of senior Syrian government officials and their supporters to punish them for violence against the Syrian people.

What problem does this solve?

The Syrian government was using increasing violence against its own people, including protestors and activists. This order freezes the U.S. property of Syrian officials to pressure them to stop the violence.

What does this order do?

Blocks property of Syrian officials

Freezes all property and money in the U.S. belonging to certain senior officials of the Syrian government and their supporters.

Expands who can be sanctioned

Allows the Secretary of the Treasury to block the property of any person found to be a senior Syrian official, a government agency, or anyone providing support to them.

Prohibits donations

Bans making or receiving donations, such as food and medicine, to or from any person whose property is blocked under this order.

Bans avoiding the order

Prohibits any action by a U.S. person that tries to get around these rules, including conspiracies to violate the order.

Allows for blocking without warning

States that no prior notice is required before freezing assets, to prevent officials from moving their money before the block takes effect.

Who does this affect?

Senior officials of the Syrian government
U.S. persons and companies with business in Syria
Agencies of the Syrian government

What is the real world impact?

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Applies economic pressure on the Syrian government

By freezing the assets of key officials, the U.S. aims to financially weaken the Syrian regime and discourage its violent suppression of citizens.

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Supports international human rights

The order acts as a punishment for the Syrian government's attacks on protestors and political activists, sending a message that the U.S. opposes such actions.

When does this start?

This order became effective at 1:00 p.m. eastern daylight time on May 18, 2011.