Investigation Committee on the Syrian Coast Events Refers 563 Suspects to the Judiciary

The spokesperson for the Investigation Committee on the Syrian Coast events, Yasser Al-Farhan, announced on Monday, November 17, that the committee has referred 563 suspects to the judiciary in accordance with national laws and international standards.

Al-Farhan explained that these measures aim to prevent the perpetrators from escaping accountability and to ensure justice for the victims, noting that referral procedures to trial have begun successively, with Tuesday’s session expected to include an indictment or an implicit decision from the referral judge.

He stressed that the committee continues its work until justice is achieved and victims are compensated, stating that the confidentiality of investigations was intended to preserve evidence and prevent suspects from fleeing, while the judiciary will determine what will be publicly disclosed. The Ministry of Justice confirmed that the trials will be public, with the possibility for victims and their families to provide public or confidential testimonies.

The head of the committee, Judge Jumaa Al-Anzi, had said in a post on the “X” platform that these trials represent defining moments in the country’s history and reflect an image of Syria that reinforces the foundations of justice and transparency, strengthens confidence in the judicial system, and acts as a deterrent to criminals, while ensuring the rights of the accused and guaranteeing fair trials.

Al-Anzi added that the efforts of the Ministries of Justice, Interior, and Defense, along with the judicial institution and law enforcement, contributed to reaching this outcome, noting the magnitude and complexity of the case and what it requires in terms of precision and thorough legal attribution and prosecution. He affirmed that monitoring the implementation of the committee’s outcomes on the ground is of great importance to the victims’ families and the international community to demonstrate that Syria is striving to uphold justice and the rule of law.