Syria has launched its first public trial against officials linked to the rule of former President Bashar al-Assad. According to the state news agency SANA, the proceedings began on Sunday in Damascus, where Atef Najib, a former brigadier general and Assad’s cousin, appeared in court. Najib, who once headed the political security branch in Daraa province, faces charges of committing crimes against the Syrian people.

In 2011, Najib held that position when teenagers were arrested and tortured for anti-government graffiti in Daraa, an incident that sparked mass protests against Assad’s security forces. The government’s violent crackdown escalated into a 14-year civil war, which ended in December 2024 after Assad was ousted in a surprise offensive by armed opposition forces. Assad later fled to Russia, along with many of his close associates.

The case also names Assad, his brother Maher al-Assad, and several senior security officials, all charged in absentia. Najib is the only one arrested and presented before the court. The initial hearing took place on Sunday and will resume next month, with citizens gathering outside the court to welcome the start of the trial.