Syria Opens First Trial Against Assad and Former Regime Officials

A Syrian court on Sunday held the first hearing in the trial of former President Bashar al-Assad and senior officials from his government, marking a key step in the new authorities’ efforts to hold the former regime accountable for its crimes.

Assad and his brother Maher fled Syria and are being tried in absentia. Their relative Atif Najib, a former security official, appeared in court in person and was brought in handcuffs. The judge said the hearing marked the beginning of the country’s transitional justice process.

Najib was arrested in January 2025 after the fall of the regime and is accused of leading a repressive campaign in Daraa province, where the 2011 uprising began.

The civil war, which lasted 13 years, left more than half a million people dead and displaced millions.

During the first hearing, the judge focused mainly on administrative and legal matters, while the next session was scheduled for 10 May.

Syria’s new leadership has repeatedly pledged to pursue justice and confront the legacy of the past regime.

(lemonde, bak)