Damascus court resumes trial of Atef Najib over crimes against Syrians

Damascus, July 21 (SANA) The Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus held its sixth session on Tuesday to hear the case against Atef Najib, accused of committing crimes against the Syrian people.

The session was presided over by Judge Fakhr al-Din Mustafa al-Arian and attended by victims’ families from Daraa province, members of the National Commission for Transitional Justice, and representatives of international legal and humanitarian organizations.

The first session in Najib’s trial was held on April 26 as part of a judicial process aimed at uncovering the truth, ensuring justice for victims, and holding those responsible accountable in accordance with legal procedures. Atef Najib, a cousin of deposed regime tyrant Bashar al-Assad, previously served as head of the political security branch in Daraa province.

Najib is accused of bearing direct and shared command responsibility for systematic violations against civilians, including killings, torture, arbitrary detention and the suppression of peaceful protests. The charges also include involvement in the events surrounding the Omari Mosque incident and deaths in detention facilities.

KA.MZN