A northeastern Syrian city on the Syria–Turkey border
Khaled al-Halabi and Musab Abu Rukbah have been found guilty in Vienna of torture and related crimes from 2011-2013 in Raqqa, under universal jurisdiction; both receive eight-year sentences and orders to pay compensation to victims. The trial marks a rare European prosecution of Syrian state agents; prosecutors allege systemic torture.
Syria's new authorities have begun prosecuting suspects tied to the Assad regime’s abuses as part of a broader push to address past crimes. Arrests include former security and militia figures, with families and rights groups watching closely for transparency and accountability.
Kurdistan Regional Government president Barzani has met Syria's leadership in Damascus to discuss strengthening cooperation and the integration of the SDF into state institutions, with language and cultural rights on the agenda amid ongoing negotiations.
Protests erupt across Syria after the government raises diesel prices by up to 40% and petrol by about 25-28%, citing global costs and an overhaul at Baniyas refinery. Authorities say prices are temporary, with a plan to restart small refineries to meet demand while subsidies target heating and essential sectors. The protests reflect soaring living costs and widespread poverty.
Kurdish communities in northeast Syria are protesting government moves to integrate Kurdish-led forces into the Syrian state, while fuel-price hikes and security incidents exacerbate tensions. Protests spread from Qamishli to Kobani as authorities move to tighten control over formerly autonomous regions.