Syria Collects Evidence Against Assad-Linked Militia Commander

The Syrian Transitional Justice Commission is collecting evidence against Fadi Saqr, a former National Defence Forces militia commander, over alleged war crimes in Damascus.

He has been linked to mass killings and the disappearance of civilians in the Tadamon district and other parts of the capital. After the ouster of Bashar Assad in December 2024, the new government cooperated with Saqr, triggering public anger.

Zahra al-Barazi, a representative of the commission, said investigators were working with victims to compile evidence for prosecution under Syrian law. “There is absolutely enough evidence against Saqr”, she said.

Last week, Syrian authorities detained Amjad Yousuf, identified as one of the main perpetrators of the Tadamon massacre. Leaked videos show the killing of nearly 300 civilians in 2013.

Activists say Saqr oversaw the operations. “Nothing happened in Tadamon without his orders”, said activist Ahmed al-Homsi.

Saqr denies the accusations, saying he learned about the killings from media reports and supports a trial.

Experts say he could bear responsibility as part of the militia command structure. Residents of Tadamon have long called for his arrest.

The commission plans to refer the case to the prosecutor’s office, which will decide on the next steps.

(guardian, bak)