Syria’s transitional authorities launch justice commission

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
18 May 2025 03:07
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The transitional authorities in Syria have established a National Commission for Transitional Justice and ordered remaining armed factions to integrate into the Ministry of Defense within 10 days.

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Syria's interim president Ahmad Al-Sharaa, center, prepares to sign a temporary constitution for the country in Damascus, Syria, on March 13, 2025. (AP)

The transitional authorities in Syria announced on Saturday the formation of the National Commission for Transitional Justice, marking a major step in post-regime restructuring more than five months after the fall of the former government.

A decree signed by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa stated that the newly established commission would be responsible for uncovering the truth about “grave violations committed by the defunct regime,” ensuring accountability in cooperation with relevant entities, delivering reparations to victims, and promoting both non-repetition and national reconciliation.

Commission to investigate violations, support victims

The decree also named Abdel Baset Abdel Latif as head of the commission and tasked him with forming a team and submitting a draft of the commission’s bylaws within 30 days. The document emphasized that the body “shall enjoy legal personality as well as financial and administrative independence,” and will operate across all Syrian territory in pursuit of its mandate.

The formation of the commission comes after the transitional authority took steps to dismantle structures affiliated with the previous regime, aiming to reset Syria’s legal and institutional frameworks under new leadership.

Defense Ministry issues 10-day deadline for armed factions

In parallel with judicial reforms, the transitional leadership is intensifying efforts to restructure the military landscape. Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra announced that all official military units have been consolidated under the Ministry of Defense, in what he described as a drive to centralize command and improve institutional cohesion.

Abu Qasra issued a clear directive for the remaining “small groups” outside the formal military structure to integrate within a maximum of 10 days from the date of the announcement.

“We immediately began working to integrate military units within a unified institutional framework,” he stated, noting that any delays would trigger unspecified legal actions under existing laws.

While the minister did not specify which factions had yet to comply, his remarks underscore a growing urgency to eliminate fragmented loyalties and consolidate control over all armed formations.

Unification efforts face fragmented loyalties, regional challenges

The transitional authority, which formally dissolved the security and military arms of the former regime around two months after its fall on December 8, also disbanded all armed factions, including Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, as part of broader reforms.

However, despite these structural efforts, authorities continue to confront significant obstacles in asserting control across all regions. Pockets of armed resistance, shifting alliances, and areas with weak popular support remain ongoing challenges for the central government in its bid to stabilize the country and restore national unity.