UK Imposes New Sanctions on Individuals Linked to Civil Rights Violations in Syria

The UK government announced on Friday the implementation of a new set of sanctions aimed at individuals and entities accused of participating in violence and serious violations against civilians in Syria. This includes groups that have provided financial support to the regime of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Targeting Individuals Linked to Coastal Violence

According to an official statement, the sanctions focus on individuals involved in violent incidents that occurred in Syria's coastal region last March, along with broader violations that have taken place throughout the civil war.

The measures include three entities and six individuals associated with armed factions active in Syria, including the Sultan Murad, Suleiman Shah, and Hamzat factions.

Timing with Internal Judicial Proceedings

This UK initiative comes just a day after Judge Joumaa Al-Anzi, head of the National Independent Commission of Inquiry into the coastal events, 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 Political Messaging

Al-Anzi stated in a post on the platform “X” that the holding of public sessions demonstrates “the Syrian government's commitment to transparency and breaking the cycle of violence and impunity.” He emphasized that these trials aim to protect the rights of defendants from all parties and enhance community oversight of the judicial process.

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

Transitional Justice... A Heavy Burden

Al-Anzi added that “millions of Syrians are awaiting the launch of a broader transitional justice process,” noting that the scale of the issue requires extended efforts and preparations to hold accountable the thousands involved in crimes and violations that occurred under the previous regime.

14 Defendants in Court

The initial public trial sessions began on November 18, involving 14 defendants accused of violations during the coastal events that took place on March 6, in the presence of victims' relatives, according to the Syrian news agency “SANA.”

The first part of the trials included seven detainees from the remnants of the previous regime accused of inciting sectarian discord, theft, and assault against internal security forces and the Syrian army, with sessions set to resume on December 18.

Meanwhile, the second part involved seven individuals accused of murder and theft, with their sessions suspended until December 25.

Context of the Events

Syrian coastal areas, particularly Latakia, Tartus, and Baniyas, experienced violent clashes and acts of violence affecting civilians and public security members on March 6. The Syrian government accused pro-Assad militias of orchestrating the attacks and executing dozens of individuals.

Protests also occurred in some coastal areas in November, expressing political demands, including calls for expanded administrative decentralization.

Dual International Message

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