Ramy Shafiq
During a press conference last Tuesday afternoon, Syria’s fact-finding commission vowed to hold those responsible for the recent violations in the Syrian coast region. The announcement followed days of violent security unrest that resulted in multiple casualties after an attack by loyalists of the ousted Assad regime.
Investigations Time Frame
The commission stated that the investigation is set to last 30 days, with the possibility of an extension in certain cases. Dr. Yasser al-Farhan, the commission’s spokesperson confirmed that the goal is to conclude the designated period, the timeline may be extended if necessary.
Last Sunday, the President of the Interim Government, Ahmed al-Sharaa, issued a presidential decree establishing an independent national commission to investigate the events in the Syrian coast region. According to an official statement released by the Syrian presidency’s account on X, the commission, composed of seven members, will be tasked with uncovering the causes and circumstances surrounding the recent events, as well as investigating the violations suffered by civilians and identifying those responsible.
Additionally, the commission will examine attacks on public institutions, security personnel, and the military. Its final report will be submitted to the President of the Republic within the designated time frame.
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Investigative and Documentation Mechanisms
During its press conference, the commission announced that it had developed a plan to communicate with witnesses and victims’ families in the coastal region while ensuring the protection of the privacy and security of witnesses. It also emphasized the use of modern technology to analyze video evidence documenting violations.
The establishment of the fact-finding commission follows a surge in international condemnation of the events on Syria’s coast. Several Western foreign ministries have expressed deep concern over the reported violations.
Political analysts suggest that Interim Government President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s decision to establish the commission aims to ease public outrage while distancing the administration from the entrenched political defences of the ruling power in Damascus. The commission’s composition reflects this strategy, consisting of five judges, a lawyer and a brigadier general police officer, with one judge appointed as chairperson.
A Critical Step Forward
Kawthar Doko, the co-chairperson of the Future Syria Party, described the commission’s formation as a significant milestone. Speaking to +963, she highlighted that for over a half-century, Syria’s diverse communities have suffered from exclusion and political marginalization, which has deeply affected all aspects of life, including politics, the economy, and education.
“Syria is at a very delicate crossroads, standing between darkness and light. The fact-finding commission is crucial for justice, especially if follows through on its commitment to hold those responsible accountable within the given timeframe,” Doko stated.
She also pointed out that the commission’s establishment coincided with a historic agreement between the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces and the new Interim Administration, She expressed hope that this agreement would lay the groundwork for comprehensive national reconciliation.
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The Commission’s Commitment to Justice
The fact-finding commission emphasized that compiling a list of potential perpetrators is one of its top priorities, alongside efforts to document violations and build evidence files with full transparency. The investigation focuses on events that occurred between March 6 and 8, with the commission affirming that no one is above the law and vowing to ensure that no perpetrator escapes accountability.
The commission also announced plans to provide weekly briefings and publish available findings from the investigation. Additionally, it will establish regulations for potential witnesses and ensure their safety through the witness protection programme.
Syrian jurist Ibrahim Abdulrahman underscored that Syria’s constitutions have always upheld the principles of equality and non-discrimination among citizens, affirming that any attack on individuals or property is illegal.
Speaking to +963, Abdulrahman explained that Syrian law considers violations committed on sectarian or ethnic grounds to be serious crimes that endanger national security and civil peace. He stressed that the commission’s work must remain impartial, guided strictly by law and the constitution to ensure justice and public deterrence.
Abdulrahman noted that the commission’s time frame, while extendable, should align with the duration of the Public Prosecutor’s work so that the judicial authorities can later take over the prosecution and accountability process.
In conclusion, Abdulrahman highlighted the importance of precise documentation and confidentiality in the investigations, particularly given the fear and anxiety experienced by victims and witnesses. He stressed that revealing the true circumstances of the events is crucial to preventing similar crimes in the future while ensuring witnesses remain protected.
The establishment of this fact-finding commission is widely seen as a test of the transitional authorities’ ability to uphold justice and accountability, particularly in the face of the country’s ongoing security and political challenges.
