Assad’s Cousin Faces Trial in Damascus

Atef Najib, a cousin of former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, appeared in court in Damascus as part of what authorities are calling the country’s first trials of “transitional justice” after the fall of the previous regime.

Najib, a former political security chief in Daraa, is accused of serious abuses against civilians, especially during the early days of the 2011 uprising. He was seen in court inside a defendant’s cage, while judges confirmed that other high-profile figures—including Assad himself and his brother Maher al-Assad—remain fugitives.

Najib is specifically blamed for ordering the arrest and torture of children who had written anti-government slogans on walls in Daraa. That incident is widely considered one of the sparks that ignited nationwide protests, eventually leading to years of conflict.

The court session was brief and has been postponed until May 10, as proceedings continue. Officials say this case marks an important step in holding former regime figures accountable.

After nearly 25 years in power, Bashar al-Assad fled the country in late 2024, ending decades of rule by the Baath Party. A new transitional government has since taken over, aiming to address past abuses and rebuild the country.

Source: Newstimehub