Prosecutors say children detained over anti-regime graffiti in Deraa were tortured with electric shocks, fingernail removal and severe beatings.
The case also alleges security forces opened live fire on peaceful mosque sit-ins, causing deaths and injuries, and blocked ambulances from reaching wounded protesters.
Assad and key lieutenants, who fled to Russia in 2024, will be tried in absentia as Syria's new leadership pursues its first prosecutions over the 2011 crackdown.
Can a government led by a former militant deliver impartial justice, or is this just victor's justice for Assad's regime?
With Assad's henchmen in the dock, can Syria rebuild its economy before it has fully reckoned with its past?
Breaking the Wall of Impunity: The 2026 Atef Najib Trial and Accountability for Syria’s 2011 Atrocities
Overview
In May 2026, a landmark trial began against Atef Najib, a former Assad regime official, marking the first time such a figure faces charges for the 2011 atrocities in Syria. This pivotal event has drawn significant attention from victims’ families, international lawyers, and journalists, reflecting a strong public and global interest in justice. The trial stands as a crucial step toward addressing past injustices, with many other regime members also awaiting accountability. The widespread attendance and scrutiny highlight the deep desire for justice and signal a potential turning point in Syria’s pursuit of truth and reconciliation.