Dimasheq
The National Authority for Transitional Justice in #Syria affirmed that the anniversary of the Ghouta chemical massacre constitutes a key occasion to reaffirm the responsibility of the state and society to uncover the truth and ensure justice for the victims. It stressed that accountability and reparations are legal and moral obligations that do not lapse with the passage of time.
Radif Mustafa, Director of the Accountability and Prosecution Department at the Authority, said that the department continues to work on cases related to the use of chemical weapons in accordance with legal procedures.
Mustafa explained that responsibility is not limited to those who directly carried out the crime, but also includes anyone who ordered, incited, or contributed to its commission, as well as anyone who, by virtue of their position and responsibilities, was capable of preventing it but failed to do so, whenever their responsibility is established under the law.
He noted that establishing the truth, holding those responsible accountable, and ensuring justice for victims constitute an essential part of the transitional justice process. These efforts contribute to reinforcing the principle of preventing impunity and ensuring that such crimes are not repeated.
On August 21, 2013, forces of the former regime launched a sarin gas attack on the two Ghoutas of Damascus, killing more than 1,400 civilians, including 200 children and women, and leaving thousands more suffering from suffocation and poisoning.
