Umamah Bakharia
8 September 2026 | 10:05 CAT
3-minute read

https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1RKZzBVMAddKB

The death sentence handed to former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in absentia is an important psychological moment for victims of his regime, but it is only one step towards achieving justice, according to Syrian lawyer and human rights defender Mazen Darwish.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Darwish, founder of the Syrian Centre for Media and Freedom of Expression and a Commissioner of the International Commission of Jurists, said victims were encouraged by hearing Assad’s name in a Damascus courtroom.

“Minimum as psychologically, we are talking about the person responsible about a huge and mass crime in Syria. So, the victims are very happy,” Darwish said.

However, he acknowledged that Assad’s presence in Russia makes the practical impact of the verdict more complicated.

“We know that this does not mean that Russia will send him to Syria, and it’s a very complicated political and legal situation while he’s in Syria,” he said.

Assad, who was toppled in December 2024, remains in Russia. The death sentence therefore does not mean he will immediately face punishment, but Darwish described the verdict as a significant symbolic development for victims.

For Syria, Darwish said the larger challenge is rebuilding a country based on justice and restoring trust after years of war and repression.

“It’s not only about rebuilding the houses and the roads,” he said. “It’s how to build trust with the new government, among the Syrians themselves after all what happened.”

He said transitional justice would be essential to addressing past abuses and helping Syrians move forward.

“The most important challenge is how we can build a justice country, based on justice, about respect, citizenship, about state of law,” Darwish said.

Syria is also attempting to rebuild while facing continued Israeli military action. Al Jazeera reported on August 27 that Israeli forces were carrying out artillery attacks and ground raids in southern Syria, while attacks and demolitions continued across southern Lebanon despite diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions.

Darwish described Israel’s actions as one of Syria’s most serious current challenges, while acknowledging that the country does not currently have the military strength to respond directly.

“To be also serious and honest with you, we don’t have the capacity now when we are talking about war or military act to face these challenges,” he said.

He argued that regional cooperation could instead help create a balance capable of supporting stability.

“We believe that there is a huge interest in the whole region about sustainability,” Darwish said, adding that cooperation with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye could help “build balance between Israel and these countries who seeking peace.”

Syria’s changing relationship with the United States is another major factor in its transition. Darwish said Damascus needs international support, but warned against assuming that Washington’s involvement is purely motivated by concern for Syrians.

“We are not naive to think that the United States care about human rights or development in Syria, or about the rights of the Syrians,” he said.

“After all of these years, we need to build good relations with all countries. We are not benefiting from any conflict with anyone.”

For Darwish, Syria’s path forward will therefore require a careful balance between rebuilding relations with international powers and protecting its own interests.

“We need to find balance between our national interest and the interest from the USA side,” he said.

As Syria attempts to emerge from years of conflict, Darwish’s assessment is that rebuilding the country will take years. Beyond physical reconstruction, he argues that lasting peace will depend on justice, accountability, trust and the establishment of a state that respects its citizens and the rule of law.

Watch the full interview with Mazen Darwish on Sabaahul Muslim, presented by Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.