The Syrian Future Movement follows with great interest and appreciation the announcement issued by the head of the investigation committee into the events in Suwaida, Mr. Hatem al-Naasan, on Friday, July 3, 2026, regarding the commencement of public trials by the Military Criminal Court in Damascus for those involved in the violations that occurred in Suwaida Governorate in mid-July 2025. This step is based on the findings and recommendations of the committee formed by virtue of Ministerial Decree No. 1287 issued on July 31, 2025, which announced in March 2026 a final toll of 1,760 dead and 2,188 wounded, with 90 documented missing persons and 144 abductees exchanged between the various parties.
First: The Syrian Future Movement commends the commencement of public trials in the Suwaida events cases, considering them the culmination of continuous efforts to achieve justice and establish the principle of accountability, and an embodiment of the state’s commitment to the rule of law and ending the culture of impunity.
The Syrian Future Movement commends this step, which is a practical implementation of the recommendations of the National Commission of Inquiry and embodies the state’s will to hold accountable all those found responsible for violations, regardless of their position or affiliation.
The Syrian Future Movement also highly values the Commission Chairman’s emphasis that accountability will extend to “everyone, regardless of their position or affiliation,” and that the public nature of trials and the guarantee of the right to defense are two fundamental pillars of the justice process. This reflects a commitment to transparency and the rule of law, and strengthens confidence in judicial procedures.
We see in this announcement a clear message that the new Syria is moving forward on the path of justice and reconciliation, that the blood spilled in Suwaida will not be in vain, and that the perpetrators will receive their just punishment before the courts. This is the path that must be supported and consolidated.
Secondly, the Syrian Future Movement recalls the magnitude of the humanitarian catastrophe that Suwaida witnessed in July 2015 and stresses that holding those involved accountable is a national and moral duty that cannot be postponed. The Syrian Future Movement draws attention to the magnitude of the tragedy, which left 1,760 dead and 2,188 wounded, in addition to dozens missing and abducted, in events described as among the bloodiest chapters in the province’s history.
The Syrian Future Movement also recalls that the report issued by the National Commission of Inquiry indicated that the tension between the various components of the local community, particularly between the Bedouin and Druze, is not a recent phenomenon, but rather is linked to the policies of the ousted regime, which worked to deepen the divisions and exploit them to serve its own agenda.
The Syrian Future Movement further emphasizes that the commencement of the trials today is a first step on a long road to restoring dignity to the victims, achieving long-awaited justice, and uncovering the full truth about what transpired during those harrowing days.
Third: The Syrian Future Movement cites its consistent positions supporting transitional justice and accountability, published on its official website, including:
- The statement “The Grand Mufti’s Address on Justice and Individual Revenge” (dated June 21, 2026), in which he stressed that justice and the rule of law are the only way to address the effects of the past, and warned of the dangers of individual revenge and personal retaliation to civil peace.
- The statement “Popular Demands to Expel the ‘Shabiha'” (dated June 13, 2026), which warned that the continued absence of justice could push some to seek vengeful alternatives outside the framework of the law.
- The statement “The Judicial Ruling Against the Symbols of the Former Regime” (dated May 11, 2026), which commended the commencement of public trials for the symbols of the ousted regime, considering it a consolidation of the principle of accountability, which is consistent with the spirit of these trials.
Fourth: The Syrian Future Movement reiterates that the road to justice remains long, and that the success of these trials hinges on a commitment to transparency and integrity, and ensuring fair trials for all.
Based on its national responsibility, the Syrian Future Movement recommends the following:
- Ensuring the continued public and transparent nature of the trials, and allowing media outlets and civil society organizations to monitor the proceedings, to guarantee that these trials serve as a model of impartial justice and strengthen citizens’ trust in the Syrian judiciary.
- Expediting the completion of investigations into cases referred to the Military Public Prosecutor, particularly the case related to the Al-Matouna incident, which resulted in the deaths of several civilians, and ensuring that accountability extends to all those found responsible without exception.
- Continuing efforts to uncover the fate of the missing and exchange abductees, following the precedent set by the release of 119 individuals from the Druze community and 25 from the Bedouin, tribal, and government forces, and working to end the suffering of families still awaiting news of their loved ones.
- Addressing the historical roots of tension among the various communities in Suwaida, through national reconciliation initiatives and community dialogues, will foster understanding and tolerance among all parties and prevent any future attempts to exploit these differences.
In conclusion, the Syrian Future Movement reiterates its belief that justice is the cornerstone of building a new Syria, and that holding those responsible for the events in Suwaida accountable is a national and moral duty that cannot be postponed.
We call upon the Syrian government, the judiciary, and civil society to work together to ensure that these trials serve as a model of impartial justice, contributing to turning the page on violence and tragedy and paving the way for a future of peace and reconciliation.
The Syrian Future Movement will remain a supporter, critic, and monitor of this issue, striving to build a new Syria on the foundations of justice, dignity, and the rule of law.
