The Syrian Future Movement is closely following the escalating popular movement in several Syrian governorates, most recently manifested in the demonstration by residents of the al-Sukkari neighborhood in Aleppo on the night of Friday, June 12, 2026, as well as the simultaneous protests in Deir ez-Zor, now in their third consecutive day, under the banner of the “Sit-in for Dignity,” and the planned protests in Idlib today. We believe these movements reflect a clear popular will to rid the country of the legacy of the former regime and a firm demand for the implementation of transitional justice.
First: The Syrian Future Movement explains the reasons behind this recent popular movement and recognizes its legitimate motivations, stemming from prolonged suffering under the rule of the former regime.
The popular anger stems from a deep sense of injustice. Those implicated in the repression and violations against Syrians still enjoy de facto impunity. The continued presence of remnants of the regime and the Shabiha militia, described as a primary cause of civilian suffering, and their freedom of movement, constitute a direct provocation to the victims of the former regime. This is especially true given that some of them still carry weapons in residential areas, instilling fear in the hearts of citizens and underscoring the urgent need to establish security and restrict weapons to the state.
Furthermore, the return of these individuals, whose hands are stained with the blood of Syrians, to the neighborhoods and cities where they killed and looted is an insult to the blood of the martyrs, the sacrifices of the victims, and their families. It compels residents to take action in protest against this ongoing injustice.
Second: The Syrian Future Movement appreciates this popular movement and calls on the government to treat it seriously, as it is an expression of a legitimate right and an urgent national demand.
The Syrian Future Movement affirms the legitimacy of the popular demands calling for the expulsion of those involved in crimes, the implementation of transitional justice, and the accountability of all those involved in committing violations. We believe that these demands represent the cornerstone of any successful political transition process, and the government’s failure to capitalize on this popular momentum to build a state of law constitutes a failure in the crucial test of trust between the citizen and the state.
It is worth noting that the Syrian government had already begun taking practical steps in this direction, including the commencement of trials for figures of the former regime in April 2016, which we welcomed in our previous statements. This confirms our continued support for justice and holding criminals accountable wherever they may be.
Third: The Syrian Future Movement reiterates its unwavering support for transitional justice and its demand for accountability for all those involved in human rights violations, as published on its official website. This includes:
- The statement on the “Judicial Ruling Against Figures of the Former Regime and Their Deprivation of Civil Rights” (dated May 10, 2026), in which we commended the commencement of public trials for figures of the ousted regime, considering it a consolidation of the principle of accountability.
- The article “Rania Al-Abbasi’s Children and a New Phase in the Transitional Justice Process” (dated May 30, 2026), which emphasized that uncovering the truth does not end the matter, but rather opens the door to determining responsibilities and accountability.
- The statement on the “Illicit Gains Committees’ Measures Against Universities and Health Institutions” (dated June 10, 2026), which welcomed the expansion of the anti-corruption campaign, considering it an integral part of the justice system.
Fourth: While the Syrian Future Movement appreciates the popular movement, it warns that the continued absence of justice will lead to a loss of public trust in the state and may push some to seek retaliatory alternatives outside the framework of the law.
Based on this responsibility, the Syrian Future Movement recommends the following:
- Accelerating the pace of transitional justice at all levels: Demanding that the government establish effective mechanisms to hold accountable all those involved in violations and expedite the trials of those arrested, while ensuring absolute transparency.
- Confining weapons to state institutions: Emphasizing that the authority to bear arms must be exclusively held by the army and internal security forces.
- Any presence of armed groups outside these institutions, especially those accused of committing violations, must be addressed immediately and decisively.
- Establishing national reconciliation programs based on the principle of “accountability first”: No reconciliation process should come at the expense of the rights of victims.
Transitional justice requires bringing perpetrators to justice as a fundamental condition for any subsequent amnesty or reconciliation.
Establishing an independent national oversight body to monitor the security situation: This body will receive citizens’ complaints regarding the presence of remnants of the regime in their areas, follow up on these complaints with the relevant executive authorities, and announce the results periodically and transparently.
In conclusion: The Syrian Future Movement reiterates its conviction that building a new Syria cannot be complete without genuine justice felt by the families who have lost loved ones.
We call on the government today to capitalize on this momentum and transform it into a positive force that strengthens trust between the people and the state.
We believe that the judicial and security authorities must work with complete transparency and speed to address these cases and reassure citizens that the era of impunity is over for good.
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 and the rule of law.
