Legal Experts: Arrest of Ali Kayali is a Milestone for Justice
Syrian legal experts have described the arrest of Ali Kayali, also known as Mihrac Ural, as a pivotal development in the pursuit of justice for victims of the Syrian conflict. Kayali, considered a primary figure in the 2013 massacres in Baniyas, was reportedly apprehended by authorities while attempting to flee across the border.
Legal professionals noted that the arrest serves as a culmination of persistent public demands for accountability and the restoration of rights for victims and their families. Mohammad Ali al-Tawil, head of the Syrian Bar Association, stated that the arrest represents a significant stage in the judicial process. He emphasized that legal procedures will follow established protocols to ensure the accused is held accountable, adding that this step is essential for addressing the shedding of innocent blood and restoring justice.
Samer al-Daii, head of the League of Free Syrian Jurists, emphasized that the arrest shifts the focus from documentation to direct judicial investigation. Al-Daii noted that his organization has spent years documenting survivor testimonies and gathering evidence regarding the May 2013 massacres in the village of al-Bayda and the Ras al-Nabaa neighborhood. The League has also focused on tracking the connections between the armed groups led by Kayali and various military and security apparatuses.
Al-Daii stressed that the case goes beyond investigating specific criminal acts, aiming to expose the broader system of planning and command. He underscored the importance of determining command responsibility under both Syrian and international law. Furthermore, he highlighted the cross-border implications of the case, noting that Kayali faces accusations in Turkey related to the 2013 Reyhanlı bombings. This, he noted, could facilitate international judicial cooperation and evidence sharing to ensure accountability for crimes that have remained unaddressed for over thirteen years.
Al-Mu’tasim Billah al-Kilani, director of the Rasd Syria network, stated that the arrest is a crucial step in acknowledging the suffering of victims. He urged for the preservation of evidence and the protection of witnesses and survivors to facilitate their safe participation in transitional justice processes. According to al-Kilani, this legal action strengthens efforts to uncover the truth, provide reparations, and preserve national memory to prevent the recurrence of such violations.
According to human rights documentation, including reports from the Syrian Network for Human Rights, the attacks on al-Bayda and Ras al-Nabaa in 2013 resulted in the deaths of 459 civilians, including dozens of women and children. Kayali’s name has also been associated with the 2013 Reyhanlı bombings, which caused numerous casualties.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
