New York , April 24 (SANA) Syria’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Olabi, affirmed that the arrest of criminal Amjad Youssef constitutes an important milestone in the path of transitional justice, stressing that this process will continue until all those responsible for crimes committed against the Syrian people are apprehended and brought to justice.
Speaking at a press conference held on Friday in New York, Olabi said that the crime committed in the Tadamon neighborhood, where victims were killed and buried in a mass grave, remains deeply present in the memory of Syrians, particularly the families of the victims who have refused to allow the tragedy to be forgotten.
Olabi noted that prior to the country’s liberation, several academics contributed to identifying one of the perpetrators. With continued efforts afterwards, and under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior, the competent authorities succeeded in arresting the criminal Amjad Youssef. He emphasized that this achievement represents a significant step toward achieving justice.
He added that criminal Youssef was not acting alone and that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend all those involved. “We will not rest until every individual who participated in crimes against the Syrian people is held accountable,” he said, stressing that transitional justice is being pursued within Syria through the National Authority for Transitional Justice, in cooperation with ministries and civil society institutions.
Olabi called on the international community to support Syria in this effort, particularly through the extradition of fugitives and enhanced intelligence and judicial cooperation to ensure accountability for atrocities committed against Syrians.
Addressing those who remain at large, Olabi said: “They may succeed in fleeing, but they will not escape justice,” affirming that Syria will work with international partners to track them down and bring them to trial. He also addressed the families of the victims, assuring them that the pursuit of justice continues and that their suffering remains a driving force behind ongoing efforts to achieve full redress.
In response to journalists’ questions, Olabi explained that Syria requires effective international cooperation to reach the remaining perpetrators, noting that there is no safe haven for them and urging states to provide information and assistance in pursuing them.
He added that the Syrian government is working with several countries where some suspects are believed to be located, through legal and judicial channels, with the aim of returning them to face trial in Syria, allowing Syrians to witness justice being served on their own soil.
Regarding the role of the United Nations, Olabi said that the organization has contributed to documenting crimes, particularly through mechanisms linked to the Security Council. He noted the existence of close cooperation and welcomed the UN’s support for national efforts in this field.
On the issue of Israeli attacks on Syria, Olabi stated that the matter continues to receive significant attention, criticizing the international community’s silence toward these violations. He stressed that Syria will continue raising the issue in international forums.
He also referred to indirect talks with Israel, mediated by the United States, expressing hope that the international community will exert pressure to reach an agreement, while reaffirming Syria’s commitment to regional stability and its rejection of Israeli aggression.
MHD
