The Syrian Future Movement followed the news of the announcement by the Syrian Minister of Justice, Mr. Mazhar Al-Wais, on Friday, April 24, 2026, that the Damascus Criminal Court had completed its preparations to begin public trials of figures from the ousted regime accused of committing crimes, starting next week.
According to available information, the Fourth Criminal Court will begin public trial sessions next Sunday for Atef Najib, one of the most prominent defendants, as part of the transitional justice process, in the presence of victims’ families and the media.
This step coincides with the announcement of the arrest of Amjad Youssef, the main suspect in the Tadamon massacre, reflecting the continued efforts to pursue those involved in crimes committed during the era of the ousted regime.
The Syrian Future Movement, while following these developments, appreciates this official announcement, which represents a practical implementation of the principle of accountability. This aligns with its firm and principled positions, published on its official website, most notably:
- The statement on “Preparing Databases of Those Associated with the Ousted Regime” (dated April 19, 2026), in which we affirmed that establishing organized and reliable databases of those associated with the ousted regime is a fundamental pillar and an indispensable foundation for the success of the transitional justice process in Syria, and a fulfillment of national obligations to prosecute perpetrators of grave violations.
- The statement on “Circular No. (18) issued by the Syrian Ministry of Justice” (dated April 19, 2026), in which we viewed this measure, aimed at preventing the smuggling of assets belonging to figures of the former regime, as a crucial executive step in protecting public funds and strengthening the principle of accountability. We considered it a practical embodiment of the principle of protecting public funds.
- Statement “Minister of Justice’s Statement Stresses Commitment to Prosecuting Figures of the Ousted Regime” (dated February 22, 2026), in which we commended the official statements affirming the commitment to prosecuting figures of the ousted regime as an indispensable step to strengthening justice and stability in Syria, and considered it a practical embodiment of the principle of accountability.
- Statement “Establishment of the Joint Syrian-UN Working Group to Support the Transitional Justice Process” (dated February 22, 2026), in which we welcomed the formation of the joint team between the National Commission for Transitional Justice and UN entities, and considered it a transition from the general political framework to the stage of practical implementation, proposing four practical priorities, including building a unified and secure national database for documentation, and a time-bound roadmap for reforming the justice sector.
- In our statement regarding the UN report on the transitional justice process in Syria (dated April 15, 2026), we commended Syria’s progress on transitional justice, but cautioned that this was not the end of the road, but merely the beginning, requiring concerted efforts. We emphasized that the success of this process hinges on a delicate balance between national sovereignty, transparency, and building public trust.
- In our statement on “Training Cadres to Lead Dialogues on Transitional Justice” (dated April 23, 2026), we stressed that integrating transitional justice into societal dialogue is imperative, and that genuine reconciliation is a long-term process based on acknowledging harm and accountability, while providing guarantees to prevent a recurrence of past events.
The Syrian Future Movement believes that the commencement of public trials for figures of the ousted regime constitutes a significant and progressive step in the transitional justice process in Syria. It reflects the current authorities’ seriousness in fulfilling their obligations to hold those responsible for crimes accountable, which is a fundamental pillar for building the rule of law and the institutions we aspire to.
The Syrian Future Movement emphasizes the necessity for these trials to be characterized by complete transparency, openness, and adherence to the highest standards of due process, thereby safeguarding the rights of all parties, ensuring the credibility of their outcomes, and establishing a firm legal precedent.
Furthermore, our previous statements, most recently the statement on “Preparing Databases of Those Associated with the Ousted Regime,” underscore the necessity of enacting the draft Transitional Justice Law, which the trials are still awaiting. This law would serve as the comprehensive legal framework governing the path of accountability and national reconciliation in Syria. We believe that enacting this law will grant these trials the necessary legal legitimacy and political credibility.
The Syrian Future Movement announces that it will closely monitor the progress of these trials, issue its assessments regarding their compliance with international standards of justice, and offer its observations to ensure the achievement of their intended goals in building civil peace and restoring the rights of victims.
The Syrian Future Movement also extends its greetings to the families of the victims who have long awaited this moment and hopes that these trials will constitute a first step towards achieving justice and redressing grievances. We reiterate our support for any serious action aimed at dismantling the system of impunity and establishing the foundations of the rule of law in the new Syria.
