Damascus, June 15 (SANA) Syria’s National Commission for Transitional Justice said Monday that accountability for past crimes must be based on individual criminal responsibility rather than collective blame, warning against retaliation and attempts to seek justice outside legal institutions.
In a statement, the commission said the country’s transitional justice process is founded on the principle of holding individuals accountable for serious crimes through legal procedures while safeguarding the rights of victims and their families.
The commission stressed that collective punishment is incompatible with the principles of justice and human rights and risks creating new grievances instead of addressing existing ones.
It added that demands for truth, accountability and justice from victims and their relatives remain legitimate after decades of grave violations in Syria, but said those demands should be pursued through legal mechanisms that uphold the rule of law.
Several areas in Idlib have witnessed protests in recent days calling for accountability for crimes committed during the rule of the deposed regime and for the prosecution of those responsible for violations against Syrians.
The commission said the transitional justice process is designed to prevent impunity while ensuring that accountability is carried out through judicial and legal channels rather than acts of revenge or retribution.
The statement came a day after the Ministry of Interior said it was closely monitoring developments in parts of Idlib and urged anyone possessing documented evidence related to crimes or violations to submit it to the relevant authorities through official channels.
The ministry said competent agencies were reviewing such cases and pursuing suspects in accordance with the law, adding that preserving security and stability requires reliance on state institutions and confidence in legal procedures.
kA.ABD
