In a historic move, Syrian authorities have put Atef Najib, the former head of political security in Deraa province, on trial in Damascus. He is the first official from the Assad era to face prosecution, charged with "crimes against the Syrian people."
The trial marks a significant step in holding former regime officials accountable for their actions during the civil war. Najib's role in the brutal crackdown on protesters in Deraa, often considered the birthplace of the 2011 uprising, placed him at the center of early government violence.
Human rights groups have documented cases of torture, arbitrary detention, and killings under his command. The court proceedings are being closely watched both domestically and internationally as a test of Syria's willingness to pursue justice for wartime atrocities.