📰 Second hearing held for defendants accused of violations in Syria’s coastal region

Aleppo, Dec. 18 (SANA) The Aleppo Palace of Justice hosted Thursday the second public hearing in the trial of defendants accused of violations during events in Syria’s coastal region. Judge Jomaa al-Anzi, head of the National Independent Committee for Investigation and Fact-Finding into the coastal incidents, stated Wednesday that the hearings reflect the Syrian administration’s commitment to conducting open trials.

Notably, he stated this approach aims to break cycles of hostilities, end impunity, and strengthen transparency and accountability. In a post on X, al-Anzi added that the proceedings also seek to protect the legal rights of all defendants and enhance community oversight of the judicial process. He noted that international and civil human rights organizations are attending the hearings.

Al-Anzi said millions of Syrians are awaiting broader implementation of transitional justice mechanisms. He stressed that the complexity of the cases requires careful preparation to ensure accountability for crimes committed during the era of the former regime. The first public trial sessions commenced on Nov.

18 at the Aleppo Palace of Justice, involving 14 defendants accused of violations during the coastal region events of March 6.