The Ministry of Information announced a press conference to be held today, Tuesday, June 10, by the Supreme Committee for Civil Peace, amid growing public debate over the recent release of former regime officers. The event is scheduled for noon at the ministry’s headquarters in Damascus and is expected to draw a wide range of media representatives.
Information Minister Hamza Mustafa said the session, aims to provide direct clarifications to the media and public. “This is part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and media openness,” Mustafa said. He added that Hassan Soufan, a key member of the Supreme Committee, would respond to questions, focusing on the committee’s latest efforts to foster civil peace and address social divisions.
Soufan has previously called for collective responsibility in restoring stability. In past remarks, he urged all sides to support ongoing reconciliation measures, emphasizing that civil peace is not a substitute for justice but a necessary step in preserving social cohesion.
Controversy Over Releases Fuels Public Concern
The press conference follows heated reactions to the recent release of dozens of former regime officers, some of whom had surrendered under the voluntary framework—a legal provision introduced in 2024 during the Repelling the Aggression Operation. The measure allows individuals not implicated in serious crimes to voluntarily turn themselves in in exchange for fair legal procedures, including investigation and trial.
The Ministry of Interior confirmed on Sunday, June 8, that dozens of detainees in Latakia had been freed following security investigations which found no evidence of their involvement in violence. Photos released by the ministry showed groups of detainees being released, though no specific numbers or follow-up plans were disclosed.
A source in the Ministry of Interior said the released officers had been active in the military since 2021 and were arrested after surrendering near the Iraqi border and in the Sukhna region. The source stressed that continued detention lacked legal grounds and did not serve the national interest. He also cited appeals from the families of the detainees, which reportedly influenced the ministry’s decision.
Justice Commission Reiterates Its Mandate
In response to criticism that the releases could be seen as impunity, officials stressed the distinction between the current legal measures and the upcoming transitional justice process. Abdulbasit Abdulatif, head of the National Transitional Justice Commission, reaffirmed that full accountability remains the goal.
“Justice in Syria will not be retaliatory,” Abdulatif said in earlier statements. “It will focus on uncovering the truth, preserving dignity, and ensuring that no perpetrator is exempt.”
Government officials emphasized that civil peace is not a permanent solution but a temporary safeguard until independent institutions are fully capable of delivering justice. The transitional justice process, according to official sources, will be led by an independent commission tasked with holding all responsible parties accountable—particularly planners and perpetrators of crimes.
With public trust at stake, today’s press conference will likely serve as a crucial moment for the government to address concerns and reaffirm its path forward.
