UK Imposes New Sanctions on Individuals Linked to Human Rights Violations in Syria
December 19, 2025345 AufrufeLesezeit: 3 Minuten
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The British government announced on Friday a new set of sanctions aimed at individuals and organizations implicated in violence and severe human rights abuses against civilians in Syria. This includes those providing financial support to the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad.
The sanctions focus on those involved in violence along the Syrian coast.
The UK government stated in an official release that the sanctions affect individuals involved in violent incidents that occurred in March in the coastal region, as well as other abuses committed during the ongoing civil war.
The measures target three organizations and six individuals linked to military groups in Syria, including the Sultan Murad, Suleiman Shah, and Al-Hamzat factions.
This announcement coincides with an internal judicial process.
This British action comes just a day after Judge Jumaa Al-Anzi, the head of the national independent commission investigating the incidents along the Syrian coast, announced that the second session of trials for defendants accused of human rights violations during these events will take place in Aleppo on Thursday.
Public trials and political messaging.
Al-Anzi stated in a post on the platform "X" that the conduct of public hearings underscores the "seriousness of the Syrian government regarding transparency and breaking the cycle of violence and impunity." He noted that these trials aim to protect the rights of defendants from all parties and strengthen societal oversight of the judiciary.
He also mentioned that international and civil society human rights organizations would participate in the court proceedings to enhance the international credibility of the judicial process.
Transitional justice... a complex issue.
Al-Anzi added that "millions of Syrians are waiting for the initiation of a broader transitional justice process," emphasizing that the complexity of the issue requires extensive effort and preparation to hold thousands accountable for crimes and violations committed during the previous regime's rule.
14 defendants in court.
The first public court sessions began on November 18 of last year and involved 14 defendants accused of human rights violations during the events on March 6, held at the justice palace in Aleppo, with the presence of victims' families, according to the Syrian news agency "SANA."
The first part of the trials included seven detainees from the remnants of the previous regime charged with inciting sectarian division, theft, and attacks on internal security and the Syrian army, with sessions scheduled to continue on December 18. The second part involved seven individuals charged with murder and theft, with sessions postponed to December 25.
Background of the events.
On March 6, areas along the Syrian coast, particularly Latakia, Tartus, and Banyas, witnessed bloody clashes and acts of violence affecting civilians and public security members. The Syrian government accused armed groups loyal to former President Bashar al-Assad of orchestrating the attacks and carrying out dozens of executions.
Some coastal regions experienced demonstrations in November calling for political reforms, including demands for expanded administrative decentralization.
A dual international message.
Observers believe that the UK's sanctions send a dual message: to increase international pressure on those involved in human rights violations while simultaneously monitoring the internal judicial process in Syria, amid growing calls for justice and accountability and to prevent a recurrence of the cycle of violence.
