National Authority for Transitional Justice begins documenting Deir ez-Zor massacre victims

The National Authority for Transitional Justice has begun the legal documentation process for victims of the Al-Joura and Al-Qasour massacre in Deir ez-Zor. A team from the authority visited the affected areas on September 25, 2026, meeting with families of victims to collect testimonies and explain the mechanisms for reporting violations and providing evidence.

Yasmin Mashan, an official from the authority’s Reparations Department, confirmed that the documentation process is running alongside the formation of a specialized team tasked with uncovering the truth and preparing judicial files. The authority stated that several key suspects are now in custody and their cases are approaching public trial.

The massacre occurred between September 25 and 27, 2012, involving shelling and field executions of civilians. Human rights organizations estimate that over 400 people were killed, though only about 160 names have been formally documented. Legal officials identified Daaas Ali Hassan, former head of the State Security branch, and Adel Issa, commander of the 17th Division, as primary individuals responsible for the events.