Rising crimes in Syria: Legal expert calls for accountability, civilian protection

Syria’s various regions experience nearly daily security incidents and various crimes, ranging from deliberate killings, field executions, and targeted assassinations, in a situation that locals describe as an increase in security chaos and a decline in civilian protection levels.

One of the most notable indicators is that during the 14 months after the fall of the Baathist regime in Syria, until February 2026, 1405 people have committed violent acts of a vengeful nature in the country, according to the latest statistics from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The repeated nature of these incidents raises growing concerns among civilians, especially with the lack of clear results from investigations or accountability for those responsible for many violations, deepening societal anxiety and instability, according to human rights experts.

Human Rights Assessment

In a human rights evaluation of the situation in the country, Syrian lawyer and rights expert Bassam Hatoum explained to our agency that any assault targeting civilians—whether affecting the right to life, physical safety, liberty, or property—is a violation punishable under national law, and prohibited by international humanitarian law in cases of armed conflict.

Hatoum pointed out that categorizing violations as systematic or sporadic cannot rely on impressions or media circulation. It requires independent and documented investigations that prove the existence of a recurring pattern or a clear policy behind these actions. He emphasized that any behavior targeting civilians outside the legal framework is considered a crime requiring investigation and accountability, regardless of the responsible party.

He explained that legal responsibility remains personal and cannot be generalized. To hold those involved accountable, it is necessary to prove the action, intent, and causal relationship. Furthermore, entities with actual control on the ground bear a direct legal responsibility to protect civilians and prevent violations within areas under their control.

Hatoum stressed the importance of professionally documenting crimes to ensure the possibility of legal follow-up, including signed direct testimonies, forensic medical reports, judicial inspections of crime scenes, and professional photography under the supervision of legal authorities to ensure the integrity of evidence.

He pointed out the existence of multiple legal pathways to hold those responsible accountable, including filing complaints before the competent courts, seeking legal protection in the case of direct threats, or resorting to national and international human rights bodies when internal remedies are inaccessible. He reaffirmed that achieving justice depends on the independence and impartiality of investigations.

Syrian lawyer Bassam Hatoum confirmed that protecting civilians is both a legal and ethical duty. Accountability must occur within legal frameworks to strengthen the rule of law and prevent violations from recurring. He called for the state to maintain civil peace, avoid violent reactions, and ensure investigations into any allegations of violations or casualties while safeguarding all citizens without discrimination.

ANHA