UK Imposes New Sanctions on Individuals Linked to Civilian Violations in Syria

The British government announced on Friday the implementation of a new sanctions package aimed at individuals and entities allegedly involved in acts of violence and serious violations against civilians in Syria. This includes those who have provided financial support to the regime of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Targeting Individuals Linked to Coastal Violence

The sanctions specifically affect individuals implicated in violent incidents that occurred in Syria's coastal region in March, alongside broader violations committed during the civil war.

The official statement indicated that the measures include three entities and six individuals associated with armed factions active in Syria, such as Sultan Murad, Suleiman Shah, and Hamzat.

Coinciding with Domestic Judicial Proceedings

This British action comes just a day after Judge Jumaa Al-Anzi, head of the Independent National Commission for Investigating and Verifying Events in the Coastal Region, announced that the second session of trials for those accused of violations during these events will take place on Thursday in Aleppo.

Public Trials and a Political Message

Al-Anzi stated in a post on the platform “X” that the holding of open public sessions underscores “the seriousness of the Syrian government in adopting transparency and breaking the cycle of violence and impunity.” He noted that these trials aim to protect the rights of defendants from all sides and enhance community oversight of the judicial process.

He also mentioned that UN human rights organizations and civil representatives will attend the trial sessions, a step intended to bolster the international credibility of the judicial process.

Transitional Justice: A Heavy Topic

Al-Anzi added that “millions of Syrians are awaiting the initiation of a broader transitional justice process,” emphasizing that the scale of the issue necessitates prolonged efforts and preparations to hold thousands accountable for the crimes and violations that occurred under the previous regime.

14 Defendants in Court

The first public trial sessions began on November 18, including 14 defendants accused of violations during the coastal events on March 6, held at the Aleppo Court of Justice, with the presence of victims' families, according to the Syrian news agency “SANA.”

The initial trial phase involved seven detainees from the remnants of the previous regime accused of inciting sectarian discord, theft, and aggression against internal security forces and the Syrian army, with sessions set to resume on December 18. The second phase included seven individuals accused of homicide and theft, with their sessions postponed until December 25.

Background of the Events

The coastal areas of Syria, particularly Latakia, Tartus, and Baniyas, experienced bloody clashes and acts of violence on March 6 that affected civilians and public security personnel. At that time, the Syrian government accused pro-Assad militants of orchestrating the attacks and executing dozens of individuals.

Some protests also took place in coastal areas in November, where political demands, including calls for greater administrative decentralization, were raised.

Double International Message

Observers believe that the British sanctions convey a dual message: to increase international pressure on those involved in violations while monitoring the internal judicial process in Syria, amid growing demands for justice and accountability to prevent a recurrence of the cycle of violence.