An investigating judge in Syria announced on Saturday that an arrest warrant has been issued in absentia for the country’s ousted president, Bashar al-Assad. The charges stem from the 2011 incidents in Daraa, encompassing premeditated murder, torture leading to death, and deprivation of liberty, according to the state-run news agency SANA.

This judicial move marks a significant development in Syrian justice and signals potential international collaboration, as it invites INTERPOL to aid in circulating the arrest warrant globally. The international law enforcement agency can issue a Red Notice, which seeks to locate and provisionally arrest the individual pending extradition based on Syria’s request.

The roots of these charges trace back to March 2011 when peaceful protests erupted in Syria, which quickly spiraled into a brutal civil war under Assad's regime. This period was characterized by severe atrocities, including torture and summary executions, as detailed in various reports such as the Caesar Report.

Assad was finally ousted from power in December 2024 after Syrian rebels seized control of the capital. Since then, there have been increasing calls from international figures for accountability for the crimes committed during Assad's regime. David M. Crane, the founding Chief Prosecutor of the UN Special Court for Sierra Leone, emphasized the importance of prioritizing accountability and establishing a regional justice mechanism to prosecute Syrian leaders and their supporters.

Furthermore, in March 2025, the former UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir O. Pedersen, highlighted the need for international support to help Syria transition away from the conflict. He urged the global community to facilitate this move towards rehabilitation and justice.

The issuance of the arrest warrant for Bashar al-Assad by Syrian authorities not only opens the door for his potential arrest and trial but also underscores a crucial step towards accountability and justice for the victims of the Syrian civil war. This action could indeed be a pivotal moment in the country's tumultuous history, setting a precedent for international cooperation in the prosecution of war crimes and crimes against humanity.