In the wake of Bashar Assad’s death sentence handed down by a Damascus court in mid-August, Syrian survivors of the civil war are calling for a more comprehensive approach to justice. Huda Khayti, a women’s rights activist who survived a 2013 chemical weapons attack in eastern Ghouta, expressed that while the conviction is significant, it remains symbolic as long as Assad continues to live freely in Russia.
Assad and other high-ranking regime officials were sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity, including premeditated murder and torture. However, extradition remains unlikely due to Russia’s alliance with Assad and treaty provisions that may block transfer if the death penalty applies.
Lina Chawaf, a researcher at Harvard University, noted the verdict resonated widely among Syrians, with many media outlets celebrating it as a step toward transitional justice. Yet, the scope of accountability is limited; the National Commission for Transitional Justice has so far focused only on crimes committed by the Assad regime, excluding atrocities by militias and the Islamic State.
According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, over 234,805 civilians were killed during the conflict, with at least 202,000 deaths attributed to Assad’s forces. Additionally, more than 181,000 cases of arbitrary arrest and enforced disappearance have been documented.
Activists like Rana Sheikh-Ali emphasize that true transitional justice must be victim-centered, ensuring survivors participate in decisions regarding reparations and institutional reforms while receiving protection. Khayti stressed the need to prosecute lower-level perpetrators, such as those who facilitated transfers to torture prisons like Saydnaya.
Sophie Bischoff of Adopt a Revolution highlighted that systematic state documentation of war crimes is only beginning, with much of the prior work done by civil society. As Syria launches initiatives like the Athar platform for missing persons, survivors remain determined to demand full accountability.
“We will continue to be loud,” Khayti said. “And we will continue to demand justice.”
Finally some accountability, but how does that help the 181,000 disappeared? Justice feels very hollow without actual arrests.
Syrians should be proud of this verdict, but remember it excludes atrocities by other groups. That seems like a massive oversight.
Is a death sentence in absentia really justice if Assad is safe in Moscow? This feels more like political theater than real law.
It’s good to see international attention on Syria again. Let’s hope this leads to actual protection for survivors, not just headlines.