Mohammad al-Shaar, Syria’s former interior minister, surrendered to the new transitional government following the fall of the Assad regime. His return, accompanied by mediators, highlights attempts to restore dignity amid power reconfiguration after significant opposition advances. Al-Shaar’s lengthy military career and previous EU sanctions for violence against protesters underscore the complexities of Syria’s evolving political landscape.
Former Syrian interior minister Mohammad al-Shaar has surrendered to the new transitional government after the recent overthrow of the Assad regime. A video showed al-Shaar arriving with mediators, who emphasized that he should be treated with dignity for his decision to return. He maintained that the ministry he led was only accountable for official prisons, not for the numerous unofficial ones.
His surrender follows the fall of the Assad regime two months ago due to opposition advances. The HTS Islamist rebels captured key cities, including Damascus, Homs, and Aleppo, effectively ending four decades of Assad family rule. Interim president Ahmed Al-Sharaa has vowed to hold accountable senior regime officials for crimes, including torture.
Al-Shaar, a high-ranking military figure under Assad, served from 2011 to 2018. He was involved in significant military operations and was part of Assad’s crisis response team during the protests that sparked the civil war. Sanctioned by the EU for his violent actions against demonstrators, he has been a controversial figure throughout the conflict.
Recent developments include the arrest of Atef Najib, a cousin of Assad and former head of the political security branch in Daraa, reinforcing the interim government’s efforts to consolidate power and uphold accountability for past regime abuses.
Al-Shaar’s background includes key military roles, starting from his joining the armed forces in 1971. He held various positions, such as in military security and military police, which positioned him centrally in handling dissent against the Assad regime. His controversial past includes being implicated in the 1986 Bab al-Tabbaneh massacre that claimed hundreds of lives.
The surrender of Mohammad al-Shaar marks a pivotal moment in Syria’s transition from the Assad regime to a new government striving to distance itself from the oppressive policies of the past. Al-Shaar’s background as both a military leader and a former interior minister highlights the complexities of the ongoing political transformation. His past actions, including violent repression during protests, have left a heavy mark on his legacy as well as on the country’s path toward accountability and justice.
Al-Shaar’s handover signifies a substantial shift in power dynamics within Syria, as the transitional government seeks to hold former regime officials responsible for their actions. This event, along with the arrest of prominent Assad associates, sets a tone for potential reforms and retribution against corrupt officials. The overall outcome remains uncertain as the new government faces the challenge of rebuilding and reconciling a divided nation.
Original Source: www.newarab.com