Homs, July 5 (SANA) The National Commission for Transitional Justice, headed by its President Abdul Basit Abdul Latif, commenced field operations in al-Houla region of rural Homs, central Syria on Sunday to document testimonies from survivors, witnesses, and victims’ families regarding the massacres committed by the deposed regime.
Ahmad Sifou, a member of the commission’s Truth-Seeking Department, told SANA that the visit addresses the fundamental right of local residents and all Syrians to uncover the facts and see accountability enforced against the deposed regime’s officials responsible for the massacre.
Sifou noted that a dedicated team will expand field investigations shortly, stating that al-Houla was prioritized due to its profound symbolism and the heavy civilian casualties, particularly women and children, resulting from the deposed regime’s atrocities. The commission operates in absolute coordination with competent judicial bodies, utilizing prior documentations alongside direct statements to investigate the root causes of the violation.
Survivors Ali al-Sayed and Mohammad al-Sayed both expressed optimism to SANA regarding the official delegation’s visit, noting it signals the practical activation of accountability mechanisms against the deposed regime to promote regional stability and prevent vigilantism.
Al-Houla massacre occurred in May 2012, resulting in the killing of dozens of civilians, including a large number of children and women, and stands as one of the most prominent massacres committed by the deposed regime against civilians.
Syria continues to strengthen its transitional justice framework following the baseline established on December 8, 2024. President Ahmad al-Sharaa issued Decree No. 20 on May 17, 2025, establishing the National Commission for Transitional Justice to institutionalize accountability, truth-seeking, reparations, and the prevention of future violations by the deposed regime.
M.Q.R./H
