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Delay and Ambiguity: Doubts About the Credibility of Syrian Coastal Events Investigation Committee
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The delays in announcing investigation results raise serious questions about the committee's seriousness and independence from parties involved in the unfortunate events on the Syrian coast
The investigation committee for the events that occurred on the Syrian coast in early March stated yesterday, Tuesday, that it has documented dozens of testimonies so far, while emphasizing that it's still too early to reveal investigation results—a move raising more questions about the seriousness of these investigations.
The committee's official spokesperson, Yasser Al-Farhan, stressed during a media briefing in Damascus that investigations continue regarding events that occurred between March 6-8 in the coastal region, for which the Syrian interim caretaker government announced the committee's formation. However, no clear timeframe was specified for completing the investigations.
Al-Farhan added that the committee began its field work on March 14, when members went to Latakia governorate and held meetings with official and security entities, speaking with "hundreds of family members and witnesses"—a step that comes significantly late after the events occurred, raising fears about loss of evidence and witness intimidation.
As a result of these meetings, the committee recorded "more than 95 statements" and received "more than 30 audio and written reports through direct communication with its members," noting that the committee continues to receive messages through electronic platforms, but without any indicators about the nature or content of these statements.
Authorities accused militants loyal to deposed President Bashar al-Assad of igniting violence in the coastal region by launching attacks on their personnel, and sent military reinforcements to the area, reflecting the continued security approach to handling crises instead of adopting political solutions.
Al-Farhan mentioned that the committee has completed examining "93 pieces of digital evidence either publicly circulated or obtained privately," and has met with the UN International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the UN Special Envoy for Syria team, in an attempt to give international legitimacy to its work.
According to Al-Farhan, the committee plans to continue "its fact-finding work and witness hearings in Latakia" and intends to "move during the upcoming period to Tartus, Baniyas, Hama, and Idlib regions." He emphasized that it's still premature to "disclose details," which reinforces doubts about the transparency of the committee's work.
While the committee claimed it had not suffered any "attacks from regime remnants... or any threats," it admitted that the region "still has perpetrators of crimes against humanity outside justice," and therefore "movement in the area is dangerous," raising serious questions about the committee's ability to work freely and independently.
Al-Farhan noted: "Until now, we are waiting for the transitional justice law to be issued in Syria," adding that "there is a likelihood among Syrians... that a special national court will be established to prosecute those involved in war crimes and crimes against humanity," reflecting the absence of a clear legal framework for accountability and suggesting that investigation results may not lead to genuine accountability.
