Over 100 testimonies recorded in western Syria violence probe: Investigation committee spox

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Some 95 testimonies and 30 written and audio reports have been recorded thus far, as part of an ongoing investigation into recent human rights violations in Syria’s western coastal areas, while the final findings are yet to be disclosed, the spokesperson for the investigative committee announced on Tuesday.

"The committee examined nine scenes where violations took place,” stated Yasser al-Farhan during a press conference, adding that the committee has collected testimonies from “security and military authorities as well as civilians.”

“We expect that a special court would be established to pursue those involved in the crimes,” Farhan noted, elaborating that the committee is also working to facilitate the return of displaced families to the affected areas.

The committee is investigating the circumstances surrounding the armed confrontations which erupted in the Alawite-majority coastal areas of western Syria in early March, when loyalists of ousted Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad launched attacks on security forces affiliated with the new leadership in Damascus.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, around 1,500 people - mostly Alawite civilians - have been killed in the violence, with most of the casualties resulting from attacks by government or government-affiliated forces. The killings have drawn widespread international condemnation.

In response to the violence, Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa on March 9 ordered the formation of an “independent national committee” to "identify the causes, circumstances, and details” behind the deadly clashes. The committee is expected to submit its findings to the presidency “within a maximum of 30 days from its formation,” according to a Syrian presidency statement.

Upon the committee’s formation, Farhan emphasized its “independence and impartiality,” noting that the committee is developing a witnesses interview program. He clarified that while it “would not disclose the results of its investigations,” it would submit its findings to the Syrian judiciary while ensuring witness privacy.

On Tuesday, Farhan stated that “it is too early to reveal the outcomes of the investigations,” adding that it would also be “difficult” to complete the investigation within a month, hinting at a possible extension for the committee to complete its works.