Britain Imposes New Sanctions on Those Involved in Violations Against Civilians in Syria

The British government announced today, Friday, the imposition of a new package of sanctions targeting individuals and entities it claims are involved in acts of violence and serious violations committed against civilians in Syria, including those who provided financial support to the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad.

Targeting Those Involved in Violence in Coastal Syria

The British government stated in an official statement that the sanctions affect individuals involved in the violence that occurred in the coastal region of Syria during March, in addition to broader violations committed during the years of the civil war.

The statement clarified that the measures included 3 entities and 6 individuals belonging to armed factions active in Syria, including the Sultan Murad, Suleiman Shah, and Hamzat factions.

Coinciding with Internal Judicial Proceedings

This British step comes just one day after the announcement by the head of the National Independent Commission for Investigation and Fact-Finding regarding the events in coastal Syria, Judge Jumaa Al-Anzi, that the second session of trials for those accused of committing violations during those events will be held on Thursday in the city of Aleppo.

Public Trials and a Political Message

Al-Anzi stated in a post on the platform “X” that holding open public sessions confirms the “seriousness of the Syrian government in adopting transparency and breaking the cycle of violence and impunity,” noting that these trials aim to protect the rights of the accused from all parties and enhance community oversight of the judiciary's performance.

He also pointed out that international and civil rights organizations will attend the trial sessions, in a move aimed at enhancing the international credibility of the judicial process.

Transitional Justice... A Heavy File

Al-Anzi added that “millions of Syrians are waiting for the launch of the transitional justice process on a broader scale,” noting that the magnitude of the file requires extensive effort and preparation to hold accountable thousands involved in the crimes and violations that occurred during the previous regime's rule.

14 Accused Before the Judiciary

The first public trial sessions began on November 18 of last year, and included 14 defendants accused of committing violations during the coastal events that took place on March 6, in the courthouse in Aleppo, in the presence of the victims' families, according to the Syrian news agency “SANA.”

The first part of the trials included 7 detainees from the remnants of the previous regime on charges of inciting sectarian strife, theft, and assaulting internal security forces and the Syrian army, with their sessions scheduled to resume on December 18.

As for the second part, it included 7 individuals accused of murder and theft, with their sessions postponed to December 25.

Background of the Events

The coastal areas of Syria, particularly Latakia, Tartus, and Baniyas, witnessed bloody confrontations and acts of violence targeting civilians and public security personnel on March 6. The Syrian government at that time accused armed groups loyal to former President Bashar al-Assad of being behind the attacks and carrying out executions against dozens.

Some coastal areas also witnessed demonstrations in November calling for political demands, including the call for expanded administrative decentralization.

A Dual International Message

Observers believe that the British sanctions carry a dual message: tightening international pressure on those involved in violations, alongside monitoring the internal judicial process in Syria, amid increasing demands for ensuring justice and accountability and preventing the recurrence of the cycle of violence.