The Syrian Future Movement is closely following recent judicial developments, most notably the issuance of an arrest warrant in absentia by the Seventh Investigative Judge in Damascus against Bashar Hafez al-Assad. The warrant is based on accusations of committing serious crimes against civilians in Daraa Governorate in 2011, including premeditated murder, torture leading to death, and deprivation of liberty.
While appreciating this judicial step, the Syrian Future Movement considers it an important development in the process of establishing national justice. It emphasizes the priority of independent national justice, as holding those responsible for crimes and violations against the Syrian people accountable must be conducted according to fair judicial procedures, based on Syrian law, and administered by independent national institutions, free from politicization or selectivity.
The Syrian Future Movement affirms that impunity has been one of the most prominent causes of the ongoing Syrian tragedy, and that holding accountable those involved in human rights violations, regardless of their positions, is a prerequisite for building a state of law and institutions. Therefore, we believe this memorandum represents the first step in a long process toward transitional justice, and we emphasize the need to complete this process through national and international mechanisms that guarantee the rights of victims and establish genuine societal reconciliation.
The Syrian Future Movement calls on Syrian judicial authorities to activate cooperation with relevant international organizations, including Interpol, to ensure the implementation of the memorandum and the prosecution of the accused in accordance with established legal frameworks.
The Syrian Future Movement believes that the issuance of this memorandum, although belated, carries a message of hope for all Syrians that the time for accountability has begun, that the sacrifices made by the people will not be in vain, and that the new Syria will be a state of justice, citizenship, and dignity.
The Syrian Future Movement affirms its full commitment to supporting all efforts aimed at achieving justice and building a national future based on accountability, reconciliation, and respect for human rights.
