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Hassan Soufan Announces Efforts to Achieve Stability and Peace in Syria
Hassan Soufan, member of the Civil Peace Committee, held a press conference at the Ministry of Information in Damascus, addressing several key topics related to the release of some detainees, the path of national reconciliation, and transitional justice in Syria.
Soufan explained that “the officers released are those who have been working since 2021, voluntarily surrendered along the Iraqi border and the Sukeina area as part of what is known as the ‘Trust’ case.” He pointed out that “the detainees underwent thorough investigations, and no charges related to war crimes have been proven against them,” emphasizing that their continued detention does not serve the national interest nor possesses legal legitimacy.
He emphasized that “these measures are not a substitute for the already-started transitional justice process, which is the task of the National Transitional Justice Committee established by presidential decree.” He added that “the presence of figures like Fadi Saqr in this process plays an important role in dismantling restrictions, solving problems, and confronting the risks threatening the country.” Soufan clarified that “he was granted security by the leadership instead of detention, based on situational assessment, as part of efforts to prevent bloodshed among state troops or in volatile regions.”
He continued: “We understand the pain and anger of the families of martyrs, but at the stage of civil peace, we are compelled to make decisions aimed at achieving a relative stability for the upcoming phase.” Soufan stressed the importance of transparency, saying: “We speak honestly—there can be no homeland without justice, no justice without fairness, and no fairness without the courage to speak the truth. We promise to be transparent about what’s coming and to work towards real justice that honors victims and holds perpetrators accountable.”
He noted that “the current situation requires two parallel paths, with priority given to the civil peace process as it provides a solid foundation for strategic measures.” He indicated that “there are upcoming steps that will be announced at the appropriate time, once the circumstances are right.”
Soufan confirmed that “stability in the country depends on the availability of objective conditions; turbulent atmospheres will not allow the implementation of national reconciliation projects.” He clarified that “the Civil Peace Committee monitors what is being proposed in the streets, but an important part of its work must be kept away from media to ensure its continuity.”
Regarding the committee’s powers, Soufan stated: “We have requested the President of the Republic to permit us to take measures, including releasing detainees who have not been proven guilty, as well as implementing interactive procedures with state institutions.”
He considered that “transitional justice does not only mean holding accountable those who served the regime; it targets senior criminals who committed grave crimes and violations.”
Soufan warned that “hastening the transitional justice process or implementing it individually could lead to chaos, damage the state’s image of incapacity, and open the door for external interference.”
He explained that “providing security during the initial liberation significantly contributed to bloodshed reduction, and major achievements in the field of civil peace have been recognized by all.” He emphasized that “there are accomplishments and procedures aimed at preventing bloodshed, which are often kept quiet to ensure their continuation.” He added that “the release of detainees is the responsibility of the Civil Peace Committee, while the state continues to pursue wanted individuals and those involved in kidnappings and other crimes.”
In conclusion, Soufan said: “Stability in the country cannot be solely achieved through justice; there is a firm path—societal reconciliation. The activities of the Civil Peace Committee are diverse and aim to quietly halt strife and discord without fuss.”
