DAMASCUS: Atef Najib, a cousin of former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, has been detained in Syria, state media reported. He was arrested in the Latakia region, a stronghold of Assad loyalists. Najib played a key role in suppressing protests that sparked Syria’s 2011 uprising. His detention marks a significant development in post-Assad Syria.
Sanctions and Past Actions
The US and European Union sanctioned Najib for brutally cracking down on demonstrations. He led the regime’s Political Security Branch in Deraa during the uprising’s early days. International bodies have widely condemned him for violently suppressing protests. Authorities arrested him after Assad escaped to Russia when rebels took control last year.
Brutality Against Deraa Children
Protests escalated after children in Deraa were arrested and tortured for anti-regime graffiti. Reports at the time claimed security forces removed the children’s fingernails. The arrests, inspired by the Arab Spring, ignited nationwide demonstrations. Parents and community leaders pleaded with Najib for the children’s release.
Infamous Response to Families
Najib allegedly mocked parents, telling them to “forget their children” and “make more if they want them.” His statement, recorded in Alia Malek’s book The Home That Was Our Country, shocked Syrians. Though the children were eventually released, government forces soon attacked Deraa. This violent response fueled further protests across Syria.
A Catalyst for Civil War
The uprising against Assad’s regime quickly escalated into full-scale conflict. The harsh crackdown in Deraa became a turning point in Syria’s history. As protests spread, government forces intensified their assaults nationwide. The brutal suppression ultimately led to years of war and displacement.
Officials Confirm Najib’s Arrest
Lt. Col. Mustafa Knaifati, a senior security official in Latakia, confirmed Najib’s detention on Friday. He described Najib as responsible for “crimes against the Syrian people.” His arrest signals a shift in Syria’s post-Assad power structure. Many await further legal actions against former regime figures.
