A special episode of the program Wast al-Balad on Syria TV opened an unusually broad public forum on the future of transitional justice in Syria. The session brought together media professionals, legal experts, journalists, families of victims, and individuals wounded during the war, alongside Abdul Basit Abdul Latif, head of the National Authority for Transitional Justice. Rather than a conventional debate, the episode functioned as an interactive civic space designed to build channels of communication between the public and the government, with the aim of shaping a justice process that reflects the aspirations of Syrians.
The discussion began with an examination of the core principles and mechanisms of transitional justice. Moderator Dr. Zaidoun al-Zoubi posed the central question: what form of justice do Syrians genuinely seek at this stage of their history? In response, Abdul Basit Abdul Latif announced that four provinces will, in the coming days, begin proceedings to hold perpetrators accountable for violations committed over the past fifteen years. He confirmed that the institutional structure of the National Authority for Transitional Justice is now complete, and that work will soon begin on opening case files, with a particular focus on atrocities committed in Eastern Ghouta, Jdeidat al-Fadl, Khan Shaykhun, Deir ez-Zor, and Homs.
Public Voices and Divergent Expectations
The program allowed for direct public participation, which produced a series of candid and often critical interventions. Resident Mohammad Saleh expressed a cautious view, insisting that justice must address violations committed across all regions, including the Coast and Suweida. Playwright Abdul Karim Amrin described the government’s performance as hesitant and error-prone, arguing that Syrians continue to bear the consequences and calling for a shift toward a model of “permanent justice” rather than a temporary transitional phase.
Human rights activist Lilas Damshli underscored the need to avoid politicizing victims and to ensure that justice is applied without regard to affiliation. She emphasized the urgency of truth-seeking and official acknowledgment of the violations that occurred. Meanwhile, Berta Khuzam framed transitional justice as the process of building a nation capable of learning from its past, one that guarantees fairness through a constitution and inclusive institutions that do not resort to exclusion or accusations of treason.
The Needs of the War-Wounded
The discussion also highlighted the specific needs of persons with disabilities, many of whom were injured as a result of actions by the former regime. Captain Muhannad al-Ammouri, who has lived with quadriplegia for fourteen years, stated that the war-wounded are waiting for transitional justice to provide reparations and proper support, noting that they have long felt overlooked. Ammar al-Khatib raised the question of whether the justice process will extend to judges who facilitated the detention of thousands in the previous regime’s prisons.
Responding to these concerns, Ahmed Hazroumi, a member of the National Authority for Transitional Justice, outlined the mechanisms for reparations and announced that the first recovery center will soon open in Homs.
Timelines and the Scale of the Task
Regarding the timeframe for these efforts, Abdul Basit Abdul Latif explained that the Authority’s initial mandate spans five years, with the possibility of extension if required to complete all case files. This prompted a debate with Dr. al-Zoubi over whether five years can realistically address the vast number of massacres and violations committed over the past decade and a half.
Abdul Latif concluded by affirming that the Authority stands ready to address cases in Suweida and the Coast whenever requested by the government. He noted that the state has already begun addressing violations in the coastal region in recent months, with proceedings in Suweida expected to follow.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
