Damascus, Aug. 21 (SANA) Thirteen years after the chemical attack on Eastern Ghouta, the file has entered a new phase focused on accountability, evidence preservation and transitional justice, following renewed efforts by Syrian authorities to pursue those accused of involvement and cooperate with international mechanisms.
After the ousting of the regime, the chemical weapons file was reopened following years of stalled efforts to address unresolved issues related to the ousted regime’s chemical programme and declarations, creating new opportunities to uncover facts and preserve evidence linked to chemical weapons activities.
Renewed cooperation with OPCW
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has engaged with Syrian authorities to address outstanding issues related to the chemical weapons file and gaps in the ousted regime’s previous declarations.
Syria later regained its full rights and privileges at the OPCW, marking a significant development in relations with the organisation and opening the way for further cooperation on the file.
Syrian authorities have announced the discovery of materials, munitions and equipment linked to chemical weapons activities, including 25 surface-to-surface rockets similar to those used in the Ghouta chemical attack, along with materials related to sarin production and equipment used for mixing and storage.
Arrests of figures linked to chemical programme
The accountability process has expanded through national efforts to pursue individuals allegedly involved in the ousted regime’s chemical weapons programme.
Syrian authorities announced the arrest of several former officers and specialists, including individuals accused of holding roles related to chemical weapons storage, development and operations.
The arrests represent part of efforts to bring those responsible for chemical weapons violations before justice through legal procedures.
Chemical weapons file within transitional justice process
The Ghouta chemical attack file has become part of Syria’s broader transitional justice process, which aims to uncover the truth, establish accountability, provide reparations for victims and preserve the country’s collective memory.
The National Commission for Transitional Justice has worked on mechanisms to collect testimonies, organise evidence and coordinate with international investigative bodies.
Cooperation with the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) has also expanded, including field activities inside Syria aimed at gathering and preserving evidence that could support future judicial proceedings.
President al-Sharaa: Accountability is a right that does not expire
President Ahmad al-Sharaa has stressed that accountability for major crimes committed against Syrians, including the Ghouta chemical attack, is a right that does not expire.
During a meeting in August 2025 with survivors of chemical attacks committed by the ousted regime in Damascus countryside, President al-Sharaa said such crimes would remain a witness to Syrians’ suffering and their pursuit of freedom and dignity, stressing that “holding those responsible accountable is a right that does not expire.”
The president has repeatedly affirmed that justice and accountability for crimes committed by the ousted regime are essential to building a state based on the rule of law and ensuring that such violations are not repeated.
From documentation to accountability
For survivors and victims’ families, the current stage represents a shift from documenting the crime to pursuing accountability through national and international channels.
Thirteen years after the Ghouta chemical attack, the file remains a central case in Syria’s transitional justice process, combining evidence preservation, legal action and efforts to ensure that victims’ rights remain at the heart of accountability efforts.
F.J.
