Syrian Network

Transitional Justice in Post-Assad Syria: A Transformative Framework for Accountability and Reform In this article, @rutiteitel and I explain that post-Assad Syria requires a comprehensive transitional justice framework capable not only of addressing the legacy of mass atrocities, but also of supporting democratic transition, social repair, and durable peace. We argue, first, that transitional justice in Syria must integrate its four core pillars: accountability, truth-seeking, reparations, and institutional reform. Treating these elements separately risks selective justice and weakens the prospects for sustainable reform. Second, we stress that legitimacy depends on a victim-centered and Syrian-led process, while allowing carefully structured international participation where domestic institutions lack independence, capacity, or public trust. Third, we highlight the dangers of executive overreach and institutional fragmentation, and call for legislation-based mechanisms, a hybrid special tribunal, reform of domestic criminal law, and deep restructuring of the judiciary and security sector. We conclude that justice and peace in Syria should be approached as mutually reinforcing objectives, and that this historic transition must be seized through coherent, participatory, and transformative reform. @snhr @just_security