Cousin of Former Syrian Leader Faces Landmark Trial on Multiple Charges

Atef Najib, a cousin of ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, has been charged with at least 10 crimes — including murder and torture — in a landmark trial. He appeared on Sunday in the Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus, wearing a striped prison uniform and held in a cage.

Najib served as the former head of political security in Deraa province. He stands accused of leading a violent crackdown on antigovernment protesters there in 2011, an action that triggered Syria's devastating 14-year civil war. Around 75 plaintiffs have filed cases against him and are set to deliver testimony.

The courtroom session included relatives of victims, members of the National Transitional Justice Commission, and representatives from international legal and humanitarian groups. After approximately one hour of open proceedings, the court moved into a closed session to protect certain witnesses.

This trial marks Syria's first attempt to bring Assad-era officials to formal justice. Bashar al-Assad and his brother Maher face separate trials in absentia. Assad fled to Russia in December 2024 after losing power.

Syria's interim government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa previously faced criticism for delays in pursuing transitional justice. Authorities now seem more determined to prosecute former regime figures. Najib oversaw the security apparatus in Deraa when the arrest and torture of teenagers sparked mass protests.

Najib was detained in January 2025 during a security operation targeting remnants of the former government. His arrest was considered highly significant due to his prominent role at the start of the Syrian uprising.