One year after the bloody end of the Assad dictatorship, Syria remains a violent landscape where civilian-led vigilante justice is on the rise. Syrians are increasingly taking the law into their own hands by killing former regime soldiers and supporters, a trend that reflects both deep-seated anger and the collapse of formal justice systems. These targeted killings are often seen as a form of retribution for the countless war crimes committed during the conflict.
Human rights groups have documented numerous cases of individuals being executed without trial, often by neighborhood committees or local militias. These groups claim their actions are a form of justice, but critics argue that such violence only exacerbates the cycle of retribution. The lack of accountability for past atrocities has created a climate in which vigilante justice is seen as a necessary but dangerous form of retribution.
As the country continues to grapple with the aftermath of the war, the rise in vigilante justice raises concerns about the long-term stability of Syria. International organizations are calling for the establishment of formal mechanisms to address past crimes, but the current political landscape makes such efforts extremely difficult. For now, the victims of the Assad regime are taking matters into their own hands, even if it means perpetuating further violence.