The first session of the trial of a group of defendants in the bloody violence that took place in the Syrian coastal region last March began today, Tuesday,
at the Palace of Justice Court in Aleppo.
In a move that directly tests Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s promises regarding accountability
And to prosecute those involved in the crimes that followed the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
The court is considering a case described as the most significant since the end of the war.
It relates to a wave of bloodshed in which hundreds of members
of the Alawite minority were killed by fighters loyal to the previous government.
This comes at a time when other areas have witnessed
counter-attacks targeting forces loyal to Assad.
This led to an unprecedented escalation in the level of sectarian violence.
Investigate violations
According to judicial sources, the first group includes about 12 defendants.
They are distributed equally among individuals suspected of
involvement in attacks on Alawite communities on the coast,
Others are accused of launching attacks on government forces
from armed factions loyal to the former president.
This trial is the first formal step of its kind to investigate abuses
that occurred during the transitional months.
Which followed the fall of the regime, and witnessed a wide security vacuum
and chaos in several governorates.
According to observers, the current government is seeking,
through these measures, to demonstrate its commitment to establishing justice.
This will preempt any international accusations of failing to take serious steps
to hold the perpetrators accountable.
Rebuilding state institutions
The trial also comes within a political and legal process aimed at rebuilding state institutions.
And to strengthen confidence in the judicial system after years of conflict.
Experts expect the investigations to continue for a long time
due to the complexity of the case and the large number of parties involved.
In addition to the sectarian sensitivities associated with the events.
Analysts believe that the success of this trial could mark
a turning point in national reconciliation efforts.
And the path to stability in Syria during the next phase.
