Atef Najib faces war crimes trial over Syria’s brutal crackdown; ex-security chief and Bashar’s cousin, linked to key flashpoints.
Atef Najib, a former Syrian security official, has appeared in court to face charges related to crimes against the Syrian people. The trial follows the 2011 protests that sparked Syria's civil war, with Najib being the only defendant present. The case marks a significant step in transitional justice efforts.
Transitional justice proceedings have begun in Damascus, as figures linked to Assad’s regime face trials in absentia and in-court appearances. Prosecutors say the process is a cornerstone of accountability after years of repression and violence in the civil war.
Syria has named Abdul Hamid Raslan, a veteran banker, as the new central bank governor, replacing Abdul Qadir al-Hasriya who is moving to ambassadorial duties in Canada. The appointment follows a broad cabinet reshuffle announced last week as the transitional leadership seeks to steady an economy rattled by inflation and past maneuvers, including a zero-debt currency reform.