The fall of the regime Bashar al-Assad marked a historic moment in Syria, but also uncovered the crimes committed during his mandate. The appearance of at least 66 mass graves near Damascus revealed the magnitude of suffering under which the war crimes prosecutor Stephen Rapp rated as a “state death machinery.”
It is estimated that more than 100 thousand people were tortured and executed in a system that Rapp compared to the crimes perpetrated by the Nazis.
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The graves, located in Qutayfah and Najhacontain remains collected by the White Helmets and have been documented with satellite images of Maxar Technologies. These findings, used in trials in Germany and presented to the US Congressconfirm the systematic disappearance of opponents in regime prisons. According to the International Commission on Missing Personsmore than 28,200 cases are documented, evidencing the “state system of terror” that involved everything from secret agents to jailers.
However, the future of justice in Syria is uncertain. Assad, refugee in Moscow, It is outside the reach of the International Criminal Court, since Russia does not recognize its jurisdiction. Despite this, rebel leaders promised to prosecute those responsible. For the spokesperson of United States Department of State, Matthew Miller“the evidence coming out of Syria shocks the conscience,” making it clear that the crimes should not go unpunished.
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“Israel” invaded Syrian territory, the Golan Heights, to prevent the Syrian-Israeli buffer zone from falling into the hands of terrorists,” as US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller justified this action. pic.twitter.com/FFIe28e6wV— CATERINA😇 (@Caterin49788702) December 12, 2024
In parallel, the humanitarian crisis persists. Tom Fletcher, head of humanitarian affairs at the UN, highlighted the urgent need for help. “Seven in ten people need support right now,” said Fletcher, who also warned about the lack of international funding. The civil war, which lasted almost 14 years, displaced half of Syria’s population, forcing millions to seek refuge abroad.
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The recent overthrow of Assad, led by a rebel coalition, offers a “window of hope,” according to Fletcher. “The Syrian people are trying to rebuild their lives, but if we do not act quickly, this opportunity could be lost.” Opening border crossings and removing restrictions for humanitarian workers are essential to guarantee aid.
A coalition of rebel groups led by the Islamists of Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS) took Damascus on December 8 and overthrew in a dazzling offensive President Bashar al Assad, who fled to Moscow after having ruled the country with an iron fist for more 20 years old. / 24 HOURS
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