In Syria, it has been reported that a unique variety of crimes were systematically committed during Bashar Assad’s regime. There is a wealth of evidence that the regime has engaged in brutality using all mechanisms for years, with temporary government officials being very active and striving to maintain control.

Robert Petit, the President of the United Nations’ International, Impartial, and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) investigating crimes in Syria, spoke about the events following Assad regime’s overthrow on December 8, 2024, and crimes committed during his rule. Petit emphasized that there is still a transitional period in the country and noted the significant activity of “temporary government officials” working to maintain control.

Petit recalled their visit to Syria on December 21, 2024, stating that they accessed a specific area with numerous documents. Petit warned about the possibility of evidence being lost, stolen, or destroyed, acknowledging the fragile situation where, despite efforts at brutality by the regime over the years, an incredible amount of information is still present. Expressing hopes to start work in Syria, Petit mentioned awaiting permission from the authorities there. He also highlighted the many challenges faced by temporary government officials post-Assad regime in Syria.

“COMPLETE IMPUNITY IN SYRIA” Petit pointed out that during the Assad regime, no legal process was initiated against those who committed crimes. There was complete impunity for those who committed these crimes in Syria. Petit emphasized that it is up to the Syrians to decide who should be held accountable for which crimes and in what format, whether through investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC), a hybrid court, or local courts. He stressed the importance of clearly holding the main architects of these crimes responsible and ensuring that they are properly prosecuted to reveal the truth and ensure appropriate accountability. Petit stated that the entire international community should support a process led by Syrians where they make the decisions themselves.

“UNIQUE NATURE OF CRIMES COMMITTED” Petit highlighted that the United Nations has extensive experience in post-conflict environments, noting that the crimes committed were numerous, systematic, and uniquely varied in nature. He mentioned that the types of crimes committed were quite unique in various aspects, such as the use of chemical weapons against civilians and the prison system being part of this brutality.

DETENTION CENTERS AND TORTURE Petit explained that they had prepared a report documenting over 100 detention centers where Syrians were illegally detained, arrested, tortured, and subjected to this system before the regime’s fall two days prior. He reported seeing a lot of hope among people in Syria visited three weeks after the regime’s fall, but also mentioned significant fear and concern among them. He added that there are many reasons to be hopeful if supported by the international community.