Syria’s Transitional Justice Commission backs accountability amid protests

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Syria’s National Transitional Justice Commission said on Monday that victims and their families have a legitimate right to demand truth, justice, and accountability, commenting on a wave of protests across the country calling for the prosecution of individuals linked to the former Syrian government.

Demonstrations have been reported in several parts of Syria in recent weeks, with protesters demanding accountability for those involved in human rights violations during the rule of former President Bashar al-Assad. Protesters have also called for the removal of figures associated with the former government and for preventing their return to positions of influence and authority.

In a statement, the commission said that victims and their families cannot be overlooked or marginalized after decades of serious violations committed in Syria.

“The transitional justice process is based on the principle of ending impunity and holding those responsible for grave crimes and violations accountable through legal procedures,” the commission said, adding that such measures are necessary to ensure justice for victims and strengthen the rule of law.

The commission stressed that transitional justice is founded on individual criminal responsibility and not on revenge or acts of retribution outside the legal framework.

“Collective punishment contradicts the principles of justice and human rights and risks creating new grievances instead of addressing existing ones,” the statement said.

The body further noted that accountability, truth-seeking, and reparations are key pillars for building sustainable peace and preventing future violations.

It added that it continues to work on several tracks, including truth-seeking, accountability, reparations, preserving national memory, institutional reform, and peacebuilding efforts.

“It is the right of victims to feel anger,” the commission said. “It is the duty of justice institutions to transform that anger into fair legal accountability, not revenge or collective punishment.”

The statement comes as Syria’s transitional authorities face growing public pressure to address demands for accountability following the collapse of the Assad government in December 2024 and the launch of transitional justice initiatives aimed at addressing decades of conflict and human rights abuses.

The National Transitional Justice Commission was established as part of broader efforts by the post-Assad authorities to investigate violations, support victims, and lay the groundwork for reconciliation and institutional reform in Syria.