Damascus, Aug. 11 (SANA) Two legal experts said that the trial of figures from the deposed regime represents a historic and pivotal development in Syria’s transitional justice process, stressing that the verdicts issued on Tuesday constitute a fundamental step toward building a new Syria based on the rule of law and judicial independence.
They said the proceedings ensure accountability for war criminals, safeguard victims’ rights and bring an end to decades of impunity.
Key Milestone in Justice Process
Lawyer Ammar Ezz al-Din told SANA that the trial of criminal Bashar al-Assad, convicted criminal Atef Najib and a number of other deposed regime figures represents one of the most significant milestones in Syria’s transitional justice process.
He said the trial establishes a new phase based on judicial independence, the rule of law and the principle of legal accountability, ensuring justice is achieved away from any notion of revenge.
Ezz al-Din explained that the verdict was based on an in-depth examination of legal evidence, witness testimonies, and verification of facts, adding that the court relied on three forms of criminal liability: individual criminal responsibility, joint criminal responsibility or common criminal enterprise, and command responsibility.
He noted that the court relied in its legal characterization of the crimes on principles of international criminal law and the Rome Statute, particularly in defining war crimes and crimes against humanity, while expanding the scope of criminal liability to help ensure that perpetrators do not escape punishment.
Alignment Between National and International Law
Ezz al-Din said the ruling and its legal reasoning demonstrated a high level of professionalism in terms of legal classification and harmony between national and international law.
He added that national law remains the primary jurisdiction, while international law serves as a complementary framework, particularly in the classification of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
He stressed that the trial clearly reflects the Syrian state’s approach of moving forward with accelerated steps to establish justice, accountability, and the restoration of rights, while working with determination and responsibility to meet Syrians’ aspirations.
Strong Legal and Constitutional Foundations
For his part, Damascus Bar Association member lawyer Anas Skaff said the court convicted the defendants of several serious crimes under the Syrian Penal Code and applicable laws, including intentional and premeditated murder, torture resulting in death, incitement of civil war, theft and money laundering.
Skaff said the importance of the verdicts lies in their reliance on strong legal and constitutional foundations established by the Constitutional Declaration, particularly the exclusion of war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and all crimes committed by the deposed regime from the principle of non-retroactivity of laws.
He explained that the systematic crimes and violations committed over more than five decades have left a complex legacy and extensive case files requiring a comprehensive and thorough approach that goes beyond ruling on individual cases alone.
Skaff stressed that extensive questioning of defendants and uncovering the broader network of crimes ultimately serves the interests of victims and their families, ensuring comprehensive and effective justice and preventing impunity.
He praised the major efforts made by the Ministry of Justice and its personnel in preparing the case file and conducting judicial procedures according to the highest standards of fair trial, ensuring the restoration of rights and the building of a state based on law and institutions.
MHD
