Syria begins first public trial of Assad-era official Atef Najib

Syria has opened its first public trial of a former official from the Assad regime, marking a significant step in the country's transitional justice process.

The trial began in Damascus on Sunday, focusing on Atef Najib, the former head of political security in the southern Deraa province.

Najib faces charges of "crimes against the Syrian people" related to his role in the violent crackdown on protesters during the 2011 uprising.

He was the sole defendant present at the preparatory session, with the trial expected to continue next month.

The case is linked to the arrest and torture of teenagers in Deraa who had scrawled anti-government graffiti on a school wall, an incident that sparked widespread protests.

These protests were met with a harsh government response, eventually leading to a 14-year civil war.

Najib is a cousin of former President Bashar al-Assad, who, along with his brother Maher al-Assad and other high-ranking officials, has been charged in absentia.

The charges against them include killings, torture, extortion, and drug trafficking.

Crowds gathered outside the court in Damascus to celebrate the trial's opening, with families of victims, including some from Deraa, attending the session.

A spokesman for Syria's Justice Ministry emphasized the importance of holding the trial in public to ensure transparency and judicial independence as part of the transitional justice process.

The civil war ended in December 2024 with the ousting of Bashar al-Assad following a swift rebel offensive.

Assad fled to Russia, and many members of his inner circle have also left Syria.

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