{"id":31333,"date":"2026-09-24T16:06:09","date_gmt":"2026-09-24T13:06:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stj-sy.org\/?p=31333"},"modified":"2026-09-24T16:06:09","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T13:06:09","slug":"larnaca-cyprus-stj-participates-in-meetings-of-the-syria-working-group-and-warns-of-the-risks-of-selective-justice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stj-sy.org\/en\/larnaca-cyprus-stj-participates-in-meetings-of-the-syria-working-group-and-warns-of-the-risks-of-selective-justice\/","title":{"rendered":"Larnaca, Cyprus: STJ Participates in Meetings of the Syria Working Group and Warns of the Risks of \u201cSelective Justice\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"

Syrians for Truth and Justice (STJ) participated in the Syria Working Group meetings, convened by the EuroMed Rights 16 and 17 on September 2026, in Larnaca, Cyprus. The meetings brought together researchers, legal experts, and Syrian and international organizations working on transitional justice and human rights.<\/p>\n

Over two days, the meeting addressed several key areas, including political developments and the regional context; transitional justice, detention, and enforced disappearance; the situation of refugees and returnees; inclusion and minority rights; youth participation and civic space; and a strategic advocacy planning session.<\/p>\n

Transitional Justice: A Pillar of the New State and the Social Contract<\/strong><\/p>\n

During the session on Transitional Justice, Detention, and Enforced Disappearance, Riyad Ali, STJ\u2019s representative and first legal officer, presented on \u201cState Responsibility, Accountability, and the Transitional Justice Commission.\u201d He addressed the current state of the transitional justice process in Syria and the state\u2019s responsibility.<\/p>\n

Ali emphasized that Syria is in an exceptional phase in which transitional justice legislation and institutions are taking shape and constitute a fundamental pillar in determining the form of the transitional state and the new social contract. He stressed that the function of transitional justice is not limited to addressing past violations; rather, it is primarily aimed at building trust in institutions, foremost among them the judiciary, and consolidating the rule of law.<\/p>\n

He noted that, despite the initial establishment of accountability mechanisms, a critical review of the current process reveals significant structural gaps that risk producing \u201cselective justice\u201d and stripping this rights-based process of its substance.<\/p>\n

From the Stagnation of Resolution 2254 to the Interim Constitutional Declaration<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ali also addressed the stalled implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2254, explaining that it was effectively replaced by de facto terms such as \u201crevolutionary legitimacy\u201d and the \u201cVictory Conference,\u201d followed by the convening of the \u201cNational Dialogue Conference\u201d through an expedited process that lacked genuine representation of civil forces.<\/p>\n

He also noted that the Interim Constitutional Declaration<\/a> issued in March 2025 concentrated broad powers in the transitional president and extended executive dominance over the three branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial), including the appointment of members of the Supreme Constitutional Court and the determination of its functions, as well as the appointment of members of the People\u2019s Assembly, thereby undermining the principle of separation of powers and obstructing the establishment of an independent judiciary.<\/p>\n

Gaps in Decree No. 20 of 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the context of transitional justice, Ali highlighted shortcomings in Decree No. 20 of 2025, which established the National Commission for Transitional Justice. He explained that the decree has been criticized for limiting its scope to violations committed by the former regime while overlooking ongoing violations by other parties.<\/p>\n

He stressed that genuine transitional justice must be grounded in the nature and gravity of the violation and in the victim\u2019s rights, without discrimination or political framing.<\/p>\n

The State of the Judiciary: Executive Dominance and Institutional Discrimination<\/strong><\/p>\n

Regarding the state of the judiciary, Ali explained that the Syrian judiciary suffers from executive dominance and the continued appointment of religious figures and judges who lack the competence and experience needed to address international crimes. He also highlighted institutional discrimination and attempts to exclude women judges and lawyers.<\/p>\n

Recommendations and Requirements for Reform<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ali concluded by presenting a set of recommendations and requirements for reform, most notably:<\/p>\n