The Syrian Opposition Coalition’s (SOC) Strategic Consulting Office held an online panel discussion about preparations for the next scenario and activating the principles of transitional justice in view of the increasing signs of possible change in Syria and the deepening crises the Assad regime is facing.
The discussion, which was moderated by Coordinator of the Strategic Consulting Office Ahmed Ramadan, highlighted Morocco’s experience in ensuring transitional justice. Keynote speakers included Abdelali Hamieldin, member of Morocco Chamber of Advisors, deputy head of the National Council of the Justice and Development Party, Hossam Al-Hafiz, former professor of international and diplomatic law, in addition to SOC members, experts and researchers in the political and strategic fields.
The discussion was held under the title “Transitional Justice and Morocco’s Constitutional Experience as a Model.” Abdelali talked about the transitional justice in Morocco following violations in an earlier chapter of the country’s history and the steps taken to redress the victims and ensure that these violations are not repeated through the inclusion of all decisions into the Moroccan constitution.
Participants in the discussion reviewed the issue of transitional justice in the literature of the Syrian revolution and opposition forces, the international decisions in this regard, and conferences and meetings that discussed the topic of transitional justice in Syria.
Participants pointed out that the Assad regime’s continued atrocities and the stalled political process impede transitional justice in the country.
They stressed that the requirement for the establishment of transitional justice do not exist under the rule of the Assad regime and its absolute control of all state facilities and institutions. They stressed that it is impossible to reform these institutions, such as the judiciary, security and the police, noting that these are made up of individuals who are responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Moreover, participants discussed the lukewarm positions of the international community, which gave the green light to the Assad regime to commit more crimes despite the numerous reports confirming its involvement in atrocities, including the latest report by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, which confirmed the regime’s responsibility for three chemical attacks on the town of Latamina in rural Hama in 2017. (Source: SOC’s Media Department)
