Damascus, Syria – The Palace of Justice in the Syrian capital, Damascus, witnessed a pivotal moment in the transitional justice process on Sunday, April 26, 2026. The first public trial of senior figures from the former regime commenced.
This step was taken with high-level official attendance, headed by the Attorney General of the Republic, Judge Hassan al-Turba. It also took place amidst widespread local and international anticipation.
The Fourth Criminal Court opened its first session, presided over by the presiding judge, announcing the commencement of legal proceedings against the defendant, Atef Najib. Najib is considered one of the most prominent figures associated with sensitive security cases from the previous era. His trial is the first in a series of trials that the new judicial authority has pledged to conduct to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law.
The area surrounding the Palace of Justice and its interior halls witnessed heightened security and judicial measures to ensure the session proceeded in an orderly and transparent manner.
The defendant, Atef Najib, faces serious charges related to committing direct crimes against the Syrian people. These charges also include grave human rights violations, abuse of security influence to suppress freedoms, and violations of the law.
The courtroom was imbued with a profound human and legal dimension, as a large number of victims’ families, who had waited years to witness this moment, were present. Delegations of Arab and international lawyers were also in attendance, monitoring the proceedings to ensure their compliance with international standards.
The courtroom was also packed with representatives of local and international media outlets. This underscores the paramount importance that global public opinion places on bringing the past to a close through the courts.
Judicial sources confirmed that this trial represents “a victory for the prestige of the state and the rights of citizens.” They also emphasized that the Syrian judiciary will proceed with the trials of all those involved in crimes against civilians, while fully committed to providing the defendants with the guarantees of a fair defense as stipulated in the new constitution. Atef Najib is the first in a long list of regime figures who will face justice.
