In response to the end of the Assad regime

Today is an historic day for the tens of thousands of people who have long called for a free and democratic Syria. The Syrian people have toppled the Assad regime.

The Syria Campaign, a human rights organisation campaigning for civilian protection and justice for war crimes, has been advocating for a free and democratic Syria for ten years.

In response to today’s events, Razan Rashidi*, Executive Director of the The Syria Campaign said:

“Today is an historic moment for every Syrian who took to the streets almost 14 years ago calling for freedom from decades of dictatorship, and who every day since has held onto the vision for a peaceful and democratic country. Syrian civil society is a strong vibrant movement that has been driving the pursuit of justice forward, holding war criminals to account and urging the world to act to protect civilians.

“They have continued to keep hope alive that another future for Syria is possible. Their demand for a political transition is now more urgent than ever. It is time for Syrians to lead a peaceful Syria.

“Families all across Syria and around the world are waiting in hope that they will be soon reunited with their loved ones. There is growing worry about the fate of countless detainees. ICRC must urgently deploy teams to every security branch and detention facility to coordinate the release process. Thousands of families are desperate for information about their loved ones. They are worried that vital evidence will be lost, affecting the huge justice process that lies ahead.”

Fears grow among families of detainees, investigators of war crimes and human rights defenders as reports of a fire at a central security branch in Damascus, which could destroy crucial evidence. There are also fears of last-minute retaliation attacks against detainees from guards and the possibility that the regime’s high level officials have taken detainees as hostages and moved to the coastal parts of Syria.

Rashidi said:

“There is the growing realisation that a war criminal of the worst kind no longer has the power to torture, starve, bomb and detain people in Syria. Assad and his regime must now be held accountable for all the crimes they have committed. Now there is a real opportunity to see justice done for all victims and survivors of his crimes.

“It is also the moment for a real Syrian-led peace process with a clear timeline for political transition that leads to free elections.”