Victims Urged to Provide Testimony Against Ex-Intelligence Chief
The Director of the Accountability and Justice Department at the National Commission for Transitional Justice, lawyer Radif Mustafa, has issued a formal call for victims, their families, and those affected by the actions of Major General Ibrahim Huwayja to come forward with their claims and testimonies. This initiative is part of a broader legal effort to ensure accountability, uncover the truth, and provide redress for those harmed under his tenure.
In a statement released on Monday, Mustafa highlighted that Huwayja, who held several high-ranking positions under the former regime—most notably as the head of the infamous Air Force Intelligence directorate—is currently in custody. He is facing serious allegations, including involvement in crimes against humanity, war crimes, and acts that have been categorized as genocide. According to the Commission, the suspect is currently being held under the authority of the judiciary specialized in transitional justice proceedings.
Mustafa emphasized that the specialized judicial circuits established to handle transitional justice cases across various provinces are now prepared to receive formal complaints and witness accounts. The process is intended to formalize the legal challenges against the former security chief, ensuring that his past conduct is subject to a transparent and thorough judicial review.
The arrest of Major General Huwayja took place on March 6, 2025, when forces from the Public Security Administration in the city of Jableh successfully apprehended him. Huwayja is accused of overseeing hundreds of assassinations during the era of Hafez al-Assad, including direct involvement in the surveillance and coordination of the operation that led to the assassination of Kamal Jumblatt.
The National Commission for Transitional Justice has reiterated that the involvement of victims is a critical component of the ongoing legal proceedings. By providing testimonies, those affected play an essential role in documenting the scope of the human rights violations committed during the period in question. The Commission remains focused on its mandate to uphold the rule of law and provide a platform for justice in cases involving senior figures accused of systemic abuses. Authorities are encouraging all parties with relevant information to coordinate with the designated judicial offices to ensure that their testimonies are officially recorded as part of the evidence against the accused.
