Post by Justice Info

Protests in Deir ez-Zor (Syria) are calling for transitional justice and against the return of the shabbiha (pro-Assad militias). Ahmed Hazrouma (member of the National Commission for Transitional Justice) and Ahmad Yassaoui (Deir ez-Zor-based journalist and activist) answer questions from Justice Info. Excerpts below 👇 Hazrouma told Justice Info he has been following the movement that began in Deir ez-Zor since its very first day. He says the movement emerged due to the delay in passing a transitional justice law, the consideration of which remains contingent upon the formation of Parliament. This delay is made worse, he says, by the provocative behaviour of individuals who believe themselves to be immune from prosecution.   Deir ez-Zor-based journalist and activist Ahmad Yassaoui, who has worked for several media outlets opposed to Bashar al-Assad like newspaper Al Fourat and TV channel Deir ez-Zor, closely followed the peaceful sit-in. In his view, this movement is the result of a build-up of frustrations and genuine concerns regarding the justice process. Yassaoui believes it is the result of a lack of transparency and communication. In his view, the progress of the transitional justice process is marked by a deep divide and a virtual absence of effective dialogue with citizens, leaving public opinion in a state of uncertainty and anxiety regarding the fate of victims’ rights. More than a year and a half since the fall of the Assad regime, Yassaoui thinks the measures taken so far “still fall short of the immense sacrifices made by the Syrian people. The steps taken remain tentative and fail to meet the population’s expectations.” The continued employment of shabbiha and the presence within the administration of figures considered close to the former regime – without any vetting or screening process and in the absence of any form of legal or moral accountability – are hindering any progress towards change and the rebuilding of trust, he adds. Find out more in our article on Justice Info "Deir ez-Zor, spearhead of the Transitional Justice Spring" https://lnkd.in/ecC3ewRW #Syria #DeirEzZor #TransitionalJustice