Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

Assad Relative Faces Court in Damascus Over Alleged Civilian Crimes


(MENAFN) Atef Najib, a cousin of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and a former political security chief in Daraa, appeared on Sunday before the Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus, according to reports citing Syrian state media.

Footage broadcast by Syrian television showed Najib inside the defendant’s cage after being brought to the court in the capital.

According to the same reports, a judge stated that the proceedings mark part of Syria’s early transitional justice efforts. The judge noted that the case involves “a detainee (Atef Najib) and defendants who are fugitives from justice,” as quoted in the broadcast.

The list of individuals referred to as fugitives included Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher al-Assad—who previously commanded the Fourth Division—as well as former Defense Minister Fahd Jassem al-Freij and former military intelligence officials linked to Daraa and Suwayda provinces.

The court session was adjourned until May 10, according to reports.

Najib was arrested in January last year. He is a graduate of the Military Academy and previously served in Syria’s intelligence apparatus, holding several posts including within the Political Security Branch in Daraa.

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