The Syrian Future Movement is following with great interest and appreciation the second session of the military trials related to the events in Suwaida, held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the Military Criminal Court in Damascus.
This session, a continuation of the first session held on July 1, saw the questioning of the defendants in the presence of their lawyers, the hearing of witness testimonies, and the court’s commencement of reviewing the evidence presented by the Military Public Prosecution.
The Syrian Future Movement commends the holding of this second session, which is a continuation of the legal procedures that began at the start of July. The Military Public Prosecution referred a number of individuals to the investigating judge and referred some cases to the Military Criminal Court in Damascus, which began hearing them in public sessions attended by the defendants and their lawyers.
We also noted the confirmation by the head of the investigation committee, Hatem Naasan, that the competent judicial authorities are continuing to take the necessary legal measures based on the investigation committee’s findings and recommendations, in accordance with the principles of justice and the rule of law, while guaranteeing the rights of all parties. We see in these trials a clear message that there will be no impunity, and that crimes committed against the Syrian people, regardless of who the perpetrators are, will not go unpunished.
The Syrian Future Movement draws attention to the findings of a UN investigation published in March 2016, which documented the killing of at least 1,707 people in a single week of violence. The majority of the victims were civilians from the Druze community, along with members of the Bedouin community, in addition to the deaths of at least 225 members of the Syrian security forces.
We also note that the report described the humanitarian situation as remaining unresolved despite months having passed since a fragile ceasefire, with some 155,000 people still displaced and living in dire conditions.
We emphasize that these figures represent lives lost, families torn apart, and communities displaced. Only justice can restore dignity to the victims and ensure that this tragedy is never repeated.
The Syrian Future Movement reiterates its unwavering support for transitional justice and accountability, as published on its official website, including:
- The statement “Commencement of Public Trials in the Suwaida Events” (dated July 5, 2026), which commended the commencement of public trials and emphasized that “holding those involved in the Suwaida events accountable is a national and moral duty that cannot be postponed.”
- The statement “One Year Since the Suwaida Events” (dated July 14, 2026), which stressed that “addressing this wound requires more than just temporary security measures; it necessitates a clear path to transitional justice.”
While the Syrian Future Movement appreciates this important step, it reminds everyone that the road to justice remains long, and that the success of these trials depends 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 trials, and allowing media outlets and civil society organizations to monitor the sessions, to guarantee that these trials serve as a model of fair justice and strengthen citizens’ trust in the Syrian judiciary.
- Expediting the completion of investigations in cases referred to the Military Public Prosecutor’s Office, and ensuring that accountability extends to all those found responsible without exception, in line with the head of the investigation committee’s affirmation of continuing legal proceedings.
- Continuing efforts to uncover the fate of the missing and working to end the suffering of families still awaiting news of their loved ones, following the success achieved in releasing some abductees.
- Addressing the humanitarian situation of displaced persons, working to ensure their voluntary and safe return to their villages and towns, and providing them with essential services, in accordance with the recommendations of the UN report that described the humanitarian situation as still unresolved.
The Syrian Future Movement reiterates its conviction 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 believe that the Syrian government, the judiciary, and civil society are called upon today to work together to ensure that these trials serve as a model of impartial justice, contribute to turning the page on violence and tragedy, and pave 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.
