Justice Minister: Al-Joura and Al-Qusour Massacre Crimes Do Not Expire
Syrian Minister of Justice, Mahdar Al-Wais, has affirmed that grave crimes and violations committed against innocent people are not diminished by the passage of time and do not expire under any statute of limitations. In a statement posted on the ‘X’ platform, the Minister emphasized that the rights of victims remain a sacred trust and that the justice system will take its natural course against all those responsible for such violations.
These comments coincided with the fourteenth anniversary of the massacre in the Al-Joura and Al-Qusour neighborhoods of Deir ez-Zor. The events, which took place between September 25 and 27, 2012, resulted in hundreds of deaths and injuries.
Minister Al-Wais explained that reflecting on this painful anniversary comes at a time when the state and its institutions have transitioned from a phase of enduring the trauma to a stage of active efforts toward accountability and reparations. He noted that the disclosure of details regarding the investigations into the accused, Daas Hassan Ali, serves as a clear message to all Syrians that files concerning grave violations remain open before the judiciary. He reiterated the commitment of the Syrian government to pursue these cases until justice is fully served and the wounds of the victims’ families are addressed.
These judicial developments are part of an ongoing legal track overseen by the competent authorities. On June 18 of last year, the Internal Security Command in Latakia governorate announced the arrest of Daas Hassan Ali. The accused is charged with involvement in war crimes and widespread violations against civilians, as well as significant economic crimes, including the theft of oil for personal financial gain.
As part of the ongoing investigative process, the Seventh Investigative Judge in Damascus, Tawfiq Al-Ali, interrogated the accused on January 4 of this year. Daas Hassan Ali, who previously served as the head of the State Security branch in Deir ez-Zor, was confronted with the charges brought against him by the Public Prosecution.
The Al-Joura and Al-Qusour massacre remains a case deeply etched in the memory of the Syrian people. Official statements from the Ministry of Justice confirm that the legal pursuit of those involved in such crimes remains a judicial priority, aimed at upholding the principles of justice and fairness for the affected, ensuring that those responsible for such violations do not escape punishment, and building a more just future.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
