Syria puts first Assad-era official on trial in Damascus

Syria has begun its first public trial of an official who served under Bashar al-Assad, 15 years after the civil war began. Atef Najib, the former head of political security in Deraa, is accused of overseeing a violent crackdown on protesters in 2011. He is the only defendant present for the preparatory session, while Assad and other high-ranking officials are charged in absentia for crimes including killings and torture. Crowds gathered outside the court to celebrate this event, marking a step towards transitional justice.