Syria’s Ministry of Justice refuted social media rumors claiming that death sentences had been issued against several former regime officials.
In a statement to SANA, the Ministry’s Media Office affirmed that the individuals named are still under investigation and trial proceedings, and no judicial verdicts have been issued against them to date. It clarified that the circulated information lacks any official source.
Social media platforms had spread rumors claiming that death sentences had been issued against former regime officials, including: Ahmad Badr al-Din Hassoun (former Grand Mufti of the Republic), Ibrahim Huwaija (former Head of the Air Force Intelligence Branch), Mohammad al-Shaar (former Minister of Interior), and Atef Najib (former Head of the Political Security Branch in Daraa).
The Ministry emphasized the importance of accuracy and objectivity in reporting judicial news, urging reliance on statements issued by official authorities.
On July 30, the Attorney General of the Syrian Arab Republic, Judge Counselor Hassan al-Turba, confirmed the initiation of public prosecution proceedings against Najib, Hassoun, al-Shaar, and Huwaija for committing crimes and violations against the Syrian people. This step comes within the framework of implementing transitional justice, holding perpetrators accountable, and ensuring the rights of victims and their families.
