The outlines of Syria’s transitional justice process are becoming clearer as the country’s new authorities announce legal action against senior figures of the former regime, led by ousted President Bashar al-Assad, amid official confirmation of coordination with Interpol and efforts to secure Russian cooperation for his extradition to Damascus.
اضافة اعلان
During the program The Rest of the Story, Syrian Deputy Interior Minister Major General Abdul Qader Al-Tahan said that the trial of Atef Najib, the former head of the Political Security Branch in Daraa, represents a shift from conflict management toward building a legal and institutional accountability framework.
He said the move carries political, legal, and symbolic significance for Syrians who suffered violations under the former regime.
Al-Tahan explained that transitional justice in Syria is not limited to prosecuting one individual or a small group, but is based on uncovering the truth, accountability, reparations, and guarantees against future abuses.
Regarding legal proceedings, the deputy minister revealed that Damascus has begun working through Interpol to pursue several former officials who fled abroad, noting that Bashar al-Assad’s name will top the wanted list as the person viewed as bearing the greatest responsibility for crimes committed against the Syrian people.
He added that the Syrian government has formally requested that Russia hand over Bashar al-Assad, though the request has not yet been carried out, marking what he described as the first official confirmation of direct attempts to secure Russian cooperation on the matter.
Arrest Warrants in Absentia
Syrian Attorney General Hassan Al-Turba said authorities have issued arrest warrants in absentia against several former regime figures and are coordinating with Interpol and multiple countries to pursue and extradite suspects to Syrian courts.
He said the Ministry of Justice is relying on an integrated political, legal, and human rights framework to prevent impunity, including measures such as:
Freezing assets
Travel bans
Witness protection
Encouraging victims to file complaints
Regime Archives Secured
Al-Tahan also said the Interior Ministry has secured between 90% and 95% of the former regime’s archives following its collapse, including documents and evidence relevant to investigations and trials.
A dedicated unit has reportedly been established to preserve and manage these files.
He noted that authorities are not relying solely on confessions, but also possess extensive documentary evidence implicating security and military officials, with investigations ongoing into detained officers accused of widespread abuses during the war.
Al-Tahan added that the scale of crimes and violations committed over more than five decades of Assad family rule makes it difficult to set a clear timeline for completing the transitional justice process.
He suggested that 2030 could mark the true beginning of national recovery and the rebuilding of Syria’s social contract, provided the country succeeds in establishing a transparent legal and institutional path forward.
