Syria has commenced its first public trial of a former official from the Assad era, with ex-security chief Atef Najib appearing before a court in Damascus. The trial marks a significant step in the country's post-war legal proceedings, as authorities seek to address allegations of abuses during the conflict.
Najib, who previously headed the security branch in Raqqa, faces charges related to his role in the Syrian government's crackdown on dissent. The proceedings are being closely watched by human rights groups and the international community.
This trial is seen as a test of Syria's willingness to hold former officials accountable for actions during the civil war, which began in 2011. The court has not yet provided a timeline for the trial's conclusion.