Damascus court commences transitional justice proceedings against ousted Assad regime officials

A Damascus court held its first hearing on Sunday to initiate the trial of ousted President Bashar al-Assad and senior figures from his former administration. The session, presided over by Judge Fakhr al-Din al-Aryan, marked the formal commencement of transitional justice trials within the Syrian judicial system. The proceedings were declared the start of a process designed to address crimes committed during the country's recent history, encompassing both defendants currently in custody and those who have fled the nation.

The hearing focused primarily on preparatory administrative and legal procedures rather than substantive questioning of the accused. Judge al-Aryan noted that the scope of the trials includes individuals present in the dock as well as those who have escaped justice. A second session is scheduled to take place on May 10, during which the court intends to continue these foundational legal steps. This institutional shift represents a significant development in the post-conflict governance of Syria, moving from military rule to a judicial framework aimed at accountability.

Former President Bashar al-Assad and his brother, Maher al-Assad, are being tried in absentia as they remain outside Syria. Both men fled the country in December 2024 following the advance of Islamist-led forces on Damascus, with reports indicating they are currently in Moscow. While the former President and his brother are absent, other relatives and officials, including Wassim al-Assad and former grand mufti Ahmed Badreddin Hassoun, are expected to face in-person trials in subsequent sessions.

In contrast to the absent defendants, former security official Atif Najib appeared in court in handcuffs wearing a striped prison jersey. Najib, who previously headed Syria's political security branch in the southern province of Daraa, was arrested in January 2025 following the collapse of the Assad government. He is accused of leading a broad campaign of repression and arrests in the region where the 2011 uprising first erupted. The judge did not question Najib during the Sunday session, which remained dedicated to procedural matters.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa reiterated on X that delivering justice remains a major goal for the state and its institutions. This commitment aligns with the judicial source's assertion that the proceedings mark the beginning of preparations for the trials of Assad and other prominent figures. The new authorities have repeatedly vowed to provide accountability for the atrocities committed during the civil war, a period that saw over half a million deaths and the disappearance of tens of thousands of individuals.

The legal proceedings underscore the ongoing institutional transition in Syria. By initiating these trials, the Damascus court is establishing a formal mechanism to address the legacy of the Assad era, including allegations of killings, torture, and the operation of detention centers. As the court moves toward future in-person sessions, the focus remains on navigating the complex legal requirements necessary to prosecute a regime that ruled for over a decade.