The arrest of Amjad Yousef, a criminal from the former Syrian regime, confirms the determination to achieve justice in the new Syria and proves that the new government is working diligently to achieve security and stability without any acts of revenge, but rather to make Syria great again.
This criminal did not act alone, but was part of a network that still exists and profited from looting, theft, and murder for 50 years, under a regime that resorted to systematic oppression to subjugate its people. Therefore, liberating Syrians from the suffocating grip that has been on their chests for the past five decades, and which has turned their country into a private fiefdom ruled by criminals, is the only path for the Damascus government, which must show zero tolerance in this matter. Significant steps have been taken in several areas, for which the Syrian President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and the new government deserve recognition.
The government is working to uphold rights and hold wrongdoers accountable without compromise. However, this must be accompanied by additional steps to achieve a new Syria. All those who have wronged the Syrian people must be arrested, especially those who exploited their proximity to criminal networks that oppressed people not only in Syria, but also in the Arabian Gulf states and throughout the world. These individuals benefited from Interpol’s inability to reach them in Syria. The former regime used such networks to suppress honorable opposition figures, extort Gulf businessmen, commit crimes against them inside Syria, fabricate charges, and forcibly seize their money and assets with the assistance of influential figures in the former Syrian regime.
The hand of transitional justice, which the Damascus government is pursuing, must reach these criminals so that matters can be set right. Failure to rescue people from these gangs does not serve the Gulf and Arab investment movement in Syria, which urgently needs every effort to rebuild, allow people to benefit from their country’s resources, and emerge from the tunnel of successive crises they have endured for 50 years. Some of these criminals purchased citizenship in certain countries and fled there after the fall of the Assad regime. They also took advantage of the previous administration's lax security measures in Lebanon.
Some settled in Lebanon after allegedly offering bribes and gifts to officials to turn a blind eye. However, with the start of a new era in Lebanon and the stricter stance taken by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, these individuals came under pursuit and subsequently fled to some African countries. It is essential to return these individuals to Damascus through Interpol and bring them to justice.
Many of their names are on the “Red Notice” list, meaning they are subject to arrest and extradition to their countries of origin. Any delay in implementing these measures undermines confidence in the current government’s commitment to achieving justice and could lead to countries reconsidering or reducing aid to Syria. Transitional justice cannot become a comprehensive and achievable process without a clear mechanism to address the legacy of gross human rights violations committed by the Assad regime. This requires uncovering the truth, holding perpetrators accountable, and preventing them from benefiting from assets they stole from the people. Genocide is not limited to killing people; it also extends to stealing their rights and money.
These criminals have caused severe harm in Syria. I would like to reiterate my appreciation for Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, his government, and the National Security forces. Their efforts have helped alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people, especially with the arrest of Amjad Youssef, known as the “Butcher of the Tadamon neighborhood.” Until justice is fully served, we look forward to the arrest of all the thieves who stole the money and assets of Syrians and Gulf businessmen.
