Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, a key Syrian rebel leader, has pledged that Syria's new government will pursue accountability for senior officials who were responsible for the brutal tactics of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, including widespread torture and abuse. After leading a successful offensive that toppled Assad, al-Jolani met with outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali to discuss power transfer and services for the Syrian people. The rebel statement emphasized that the new administration would ensure justice for the “criminals, murderers, and security officers” involved in atrocities against civilians during Assad's reign.

The anti-Assad uprising, which began in 2011, led to a brutal crackdown that resulted in the deaths of around half a million Syrians and forced millions to flee the country. Supported by Russia and Iran, Assad was able to maintain control for many years despite ongoing rebellion. However, as Russia and Iran became increasingly occupied with other conflicts, Assad's position weakened, allowing the rebels to mount a successful offensive. With Assad fleeing Syria, his regime's five-decade-long rule has come to an end.

This regime change has sparked hope for the many families of prisoners who were subjected to horrific conditions under Assad’s rule, especially in notorious facilities like Saydnaya prison. It is estimated that over 100,000 prisoners perished during Assad's rule, many of them in Saydnaya, known as a "human slaughterhouse" due to its systematic abuse. As families search for their missing relatives, some former prisoners have emerged, bearing the marks of severe torture and malnutrition.

Internationally, countries like Germany and France have expressed a willingness to cooperate with Syria’s new leadership, emphasizing human rights and the protection of minorities. However, the UK and US have set conditions for cooperation, including rejecting violence and terrorism. The UN has called for holding Assad’s regime accountable for its crimes. Reports suggest that Assad has fled to Russia, though the Kremlin has not confirmed his whereabouts.

Syria now faces the challenge of rebuilding its war-torn society and establishing a government based on justice and accountability for the abuses that have scarred the country for over a decade.