The Syrian Future Movement is following with great interest the measures announced by the Illicit Gains Committees on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, regarding the opening of investigations into the presidents and members of the boards of Al-Furat and Al-Baath Universities, as well as the Syrian Standards and Metrology Organization, based on Law No. 53 of 2021.
We believe that this step, which comes within the context of a broader anti-corruption campaign, carries significant implications and poses a real test of the state’s seriousness in dismantling the system of corruption that has permeated the state apparatus for decades.
The Syrian Future Movement highly values the Illicit Gains Committees’ move to open corruption files in the higher education and health sectors, two sectors that were considered sacrosanct by the ousted regime, where corruption was practiced under the guise of “scientific sanctity” or “medical necessity.”
We also recall that this step was one of the most important demands of the Syrian revolution, which called for holding accountable all those involved in plundering public funds, regardless of their position or status.
The Syrian Future Movement draws attention to the fact that targeting Al-Furat and Al-Baath universities and the Standards and Metrology Organization has multiple dimensions:
- Holding the “state’s mind” accountable: Opening files in a sector that was considered a red line indicates that the era of immunity is over, and that accountability will extend to everyone involved in corruption, even those at the highest levels of the academic hierarchy.
- Exposing corruption in the health sector: Targeting the Standards and Metrology Organization, which is responsible for licensing medicines and medical equipment, raises serious questions about the safety of medicines and medical supplies that have been used in Syria for decades.
We, in turn, demand a full disclosure of any violations or manipulation that may have endangered the lives of citizens. - Prosecution without statute of limitations: The committees’ confirmation that the violations date back to “before the fall of the former regime” is a clear message that there is no immunity for the corrupt, and that justice will reach them even if time has passed.
The Syrian Future Movement reiterates its unwavering stance in support of combating corruption and promoting good governance, as published on its official website, including:
- The statement on the “Syrian-Saudi Memorandum of Understanding on Combating Corruption” (dated May 31, 2026), in which the Movement welcomed cooperation with Saudi Arabia in this field and emphasized that “transparency and combating corruption are the cornerstones of any successful international partnership.”
- The study “Reconstruction Priorities in Syria” (dated December 19, 2024), which indicated that combating corruption and recovering looted assets is a top priority, no less important than rebuilding bridges and homes.
Based on its national responsibility, the Syrian Future Movement recommends the following to the relevant authorities:
- A full and transparent announcement of the names and charges against the accused, ensuring fair and public trials, and allowing media outlets and civil society organizations to monitor the cases, to guarantee the integrity of the proceedings.
- A clear distinction must be made between “political accountability” and “criminal justice,” and the two should not be conflated. The goal of combating corruption is to recover public funds and punish criminals, not to settle political scores or eliminate opponents. Any deviation from this goal will undermine the credibility of the entire justice system.
- The scope of investigations must be expanded to include all those involved in the corruption system, regardless of their political or social affiliations. The Syrian Future Movement emphasizes that true success is measured by the state’s ability to prosecute “high-level corrupt officials” who have enjoyed immunity for decades, not just by holding lower-level officials accountable.
- An independent mechanism must be established to recover stolen funds and compensate victims, as recommended by the Transitional Justice Commission. The ultimate goal of combating corruption is to restore rights to their rightful owners, not merely to imprison officials.
In conclusion, the Syrian Future Movement welcomes this step, which it considers a true test of the Syrian government’s sincerity in fighting corruption. We call on the transitional government to transform this measure from a mere “press release” into a firmly established “institutional culture” by ensuring transparency, fairness, and impartiality. The true success of this step will not be measured by the number of those accused, but by its ability to deter corruption, recover stolen funds, and build citizens’ trust that the new Syria is truly a “state of law and institutions.”
The Syrian Future Movement will remain supportive, critical, and vigilant regarding this issue, striving to build the new Syria on the foundations of integrity, justice, and the rule of law.
