Mohammed al-Shaar, former Syrian interior minister under Bashar al-Assad, has surrendered to new authorities in Syria. This marks a key development following the regime’s recent collapse. Al-Shaar has faced international sanctions due to his role in the Syrian civil war.
In a significant political shift in post-Assad Syria, former interior minister Mohammed al-Shaar has surrendered to the new authorities. His acquiescence marks him as one of the highest-ranking officials captured since the Assad regime’s fall, according to a statement from the interior ministry. Shaar had served from 2011 to 2018, during a period of intense civil conflict, and had been sought after by security forces of the new government.
Mohammed al-Shaar was previously under EU and US sanctions for his role in violent repression of anti-government protests that erupted in 2011. His tenure coincided with hundreds of thousands of citizens advocating for democratic reforms amid a brutal crackdown by the regime. The ensuing civil war has led to significant loss of life and widespread displacement, impacting millions. The recent power transition sees some former officials, including Assad, potentially seeking refuge abroad, notably in Russia.
Shaar’s surrender signals a pivotal moment in Syria’s evolving political landscape, highlighting the ongoing ramifications of the civil war and the international sanctions that sought to pressure the previous regime into democratic transition. His actions could influence the trajectory of justice accountability against past government officials involved in widespread violence. As many former officials are in hiding or abroad, this move could encourage others to face new authorities.
Original Source: www.france24.com
