The deputy spokesperson of the UN Secretary-General, Farhan Haq, has defended the need to promote in Syria a mechanism of accountability based on a model of transitional justice that puts victims at the center and fully respects Human Rights. His statements come after a Syrian court sentenced former President Bashar al Assad to death 'in absentia' for war crimes and crimes against humanity this Tuesday.
"We take note of the decision," the spokesperson said at a press conference when asked about the sentence against the former leader. He then urged the Syrian authorities to "pursue accountability through a transitional justice process centered on victims, which defends Human Rights and the rule of law, strengthens national institutions, and contributes to national unity and sustainable peace."
At the same time, Haq emphasized that the United Nations maintains its commitment to support transitional justice initiatives in Syria and recalled the UN General Assembly's call to implement a moratorium on executions with the ultimate goal of abolishing the death penalty.
In this regard, the spokesperson stressed that "responding to long-standing demands for justice, accountability, and truth can help restore trust in institutions and lay the groundwork for healing, national reconciliation, and sustainable peace."
Haq's statements come after it was revealed that a Syrian court has imposed the death penalty 'in absentia' against Bashar al Assad and eight other individuals. Among those convicted is the former head of security for the province of Daraa, Atef Nayib, the only one who is not on the run from justice.
According to the official Syrian news agency Sana, Al Assad, who moved with his family to Moscow when Islamist and rebel forces were approaching Damascus in December 2024, has been deemed responsible for premeditated murder, torture, arbitrary detention, and other crimes against humanity.