Syrian Official Emphasizes Fair Trials for Victims' Justice
On June 16, 2026, Radif Mustafa, Director of the Accountability and Justice Department at Syria's National Transitional Justice Commission, underscored the necessity of fair trials and legal accountability to achieve justice for victims of the conflict. He emphasized that justice cannot be attained through political alignments or unregulated demands but must be pursued through lawful means.
Foundations of Transitional Justice
Mustafa outlined the pillars of Syria's transitional justice process, which include truth-seeking, legal accountability, reparations, preservation of memory, institutional reform, guarantees of non-recurrence, and the promotion of peacebuilding. He stressed that these elements are essential for addressing past violations and ensuring a just society.
Warning Against Political Polarization
He cautioned that political polarization could undermine the transitional justice process, calling for adherence to the rule of law and peaceful civic action. Mustafa highlighted that specialized courts are the appropriate venues for pursuing justice, ensuring that legal proceedings are conducted fairly and transparently.
Commitment to Individual Responsibility
The commission's approach focuses on individual responsibility rather than collective punishment, aligning with human rights principles. Mustafa emphasized that collective punishment violates human rights and risks creating new grievances, underscoring the importance of fair trials in the pursuit of justice.
This statement reflects Syria's ongoing efforts to implement a comprehensive transitional justice framework that addresses the needs of victims and promotes national reconciliation through legal and institutional reforms.
