Syria's New Leader Vows to Pursue Assad Through Legal Channels

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has declared his government's intention to pursue legal accountability for former leader Bashar al-Assad through international judicial mechanisms while carefully avoiding direct conflict with Russia. The statement comes as Syria's new transitional administration seeks to address past atrocities without jeopardizing regional stability or international relations.

In an interview with CBS News on Monday, President Sharaa outlined his approach to addressing the Assad era, stating, "We will use all legal means possible to demand that Bashar al-Assad be brought to justice." This legal strategy follows an arrest warrant issued in absentia for Assad by a Damascus investigating judge in late September, preparing the groundwork for international legal action through Interpol channels.

Despite the determination to hold the former regime accountable, Sharaa acknowledged the practical limitations of confronting Russia, which granted Assad humanitarian asylum following his ouster last December. "Engaging in a conflict with Russia right now would be too costly for Syria. Nor would it be in the country's interest," the Syrian president noted, highlighting the delicate diplomatic balance required during Syria's transitional period.

Reflecting on Syria's recent political transformation, Sharaa described his assumption of power as not "a very positive experience," noting that "much evil towards the Syrian people came out of this palace since it was built." He emphasized that his administration's focus remains on addressing the "tremendous psychological trauma" suffered by generations of Syrians and creating "new hope for their return and for reconstruction" following the end of the Baath Party's decades-long rule.