Who is Bahia Mardini, the new legal advisor responsible for the missing persons file at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?

The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates announced through its official channel on the "Telegram" application the appointment of Dr. Bahia Mardini as a legal advisor in the office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, officially entrusting her with managing the file of missing persons, in a notable step within the official efforts to follow up on this sensitive issue. Bahia Mardini is a prominent Syrian figure in the fields of law, media, and human rights, blending legal, journalistic, and diplomatic experience spanning over two decades. She holds a Ph.D. in International Law from the University of Northampton in the United Kingdom, in addition to a Ph.D. in International Relations from the American University of Paris, a Master's in Communication and Media Studies, a Master's in Commercial Law, and a Bachelor's in Law from Cairo University. Mardini began her career as a journalist and media professional, covering events of the Syrian revolution from its inception, and participated in the production of the documentary film "Syria's Disappeared: The Case Against Assad," which was screened in the British Parliament in 2017. She has held various positions including advisor at "Reporters Without Borders," president of the Arab Committee for Defending Freedom of Opinion and Expression, media advisor to the Syrian National Coalition, director of the media office for the Syrian opposition delegation in the Geneva peace talks in 2012, and the coalition's representative in the United Kingdom. She has been involved in founding several human rights initiatives and organizations, including the "National Organization for Human Rights in Syria" and the "Syrian House Initiative" in the United Kingdom. She was also part of the committee drafting the Syrian Constitutional Declaration in March 2025, reflecting confidence in her legal and constitutional expertise. Mardini has called for the abolition of exceptional courts and the Supreme State Security Court in Syria, fiercely defended political detainees and press freedom against repression and censorship, making her a target of threats and security harassment. Through her appointment to the missing persons file, Bahia Mardini is a pivotal figure in this sensitive phase where human rights and justice top the priorities of Syrian official work, opening new horizons towards achieving justice for the victims and their families.