Transitional Justice in Syria: Progress and Challenges

Following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, public demand for a transitional justice process surged, focusing on accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed over the past 14 years. The Syrian President established a transitional justice commission in May 2025 to address these issues, emphasizing prosecution and public accountability. The Ministry of Interior successfully detained over 630 individuals, including high-ranking officials linked to significant atrocities. However, the transitional justice process faces challenges, including a lack of a comprehensive strategy and reliance on an outdated legal framework that fails to adequately define war crimes. Three approaches to transitional justice were proposed: national prosecution by the Syrian interim government, the creation of a hybrid court, or domestic trials under the existing Syrian criminal code. The latter is criticized for its inability to address war crimes effectively, as it lacks relevant legal definitions. Despite some progress, the transitional justice process remains hindered by institutional challenges and a lack of clarity in the constitutional process. Recommendations for improvement include increasing inclusivity by involving civil society and establishing a special chamber for war crimes.