Press conference of the committee tasked with investigation into the Syrian Coast events  

Spokesperson for the Independent National Committee for Investigating and Fact-Finding regarding the events in the Syrian Coast region Yasser Al-Farhan held a press conference at the Ministry of Information to explain the committee’s works.

Al-Farhan said “as a result of the tragic events that occurred in the Syrian coast on March 6, and the subsequent attacks on public security personnel that led to the loss of several lives, the Syrian people were deeply shocked. This highlighted the profound impact of the Syrian tragedy, which has continued for over 14 years, on their consciousness”.

He added that the President of the Republic issued a decree to form an independent national committee to investigate into incidents that occurred. The committee consisted of five judges, a criminal security director, and a human rights defense lawyer, all of whom are experts specialized in documentation and justice issues.

Al-Farhan went on to say that the committee is tasked with uncovering the causes, circumstances, and factors that led to these events; investigating the violations suffered by civilians; identifying the perpetrators; investigating attacks on public institutions and security personnel and the army, and identifying those responsible for them; and referring anyone proven to be involved in committing crimes and violations to the judiciary.

He pointed out that the committee began its work with a meeting held with President of the Syrian Arab Republic, during which thr President emphasized the importance of the committee’s role in uncovering the truth and of the state’s commitment to holding those involved accountable and achieving justice for the victims.

In this regard, the committee affirms that the Syrian people, who have made the greatest sacrifices for their rights, with unparalleled determination to uncover the truth and achieve dignity and freedom, are capable of overcoming this ordeal.

It also affirms that the new Syria is determined to establish justice and the rule of law, protect rights and freedoms of its citizens, prevent revenge outside the framework of the law, and ensure that there is no impunity.

Al-Farhan clarified that the committee affirms its independence and its commitment to standards of neutrality, the evidence and reports available, and other relevant source materials related to the events.
Additionally, it will establish a program for interviewing witnesses and anyone who can assist in the investigation, identify locations that need to be visited, and set up mechanisms for communication with the committee, which will be announced soon.

Al-Farhan said :”No one is above the law, and anyone involved in violations falls within the committee’s jurisdiction. We will present our findings to the Presidency of the Republic and to the judiciary, which is responsible for prosecuting or acquitting individuals.”

Al-Farhan also said that the committee will be present on the ground and will listen to eyewitnesses; it will not rely solely on videos published on social media.

Al-Farhan explained: “we aim to complete the investigations within 30 days and are open to international cooperation, but we prefer to utilize national capabilities”.

“We will not disclose the results of our investigations and are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of the witnesses. We will present these results to the judiciary and the relevant courts,” Al-Farhan said.

He added that all committee members feel responsibility to uncover the truth in order to hold those involved in violations accountable.

He confirmed that they are preparing lists of potential witnesses and will provide protection for witnesses who request to give their testimony under a witness protection program.

Souha Suleiman