Damascus, Aug. 4 (SANA)The Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus held its eighth hearing on Tuesday in the case against defendantAtef Najib, who is charged with committing crimes against the Syrian people.

The session was presided over by JudgeFakhr al-Din al-Aryanand attended by members of the National Commission for Transitional Justice, as well as representatives of international legal and humanitarian organizations.

At the conclusion of the hearing, the court set Aug. 11 as the date for the next session, during which the case will proceed to deliberation and the issuance of a verdict.The first hearing in Najib’s trial was held on April 26 as part of a judicial process aimed at uncovering the truth, ensuring justice for victims, and holding those responsible accountable in accordance with legal procedures.Atef Najib, a former deposed regime security official, previously served as head of the Political Security Branch inDaraa Governorate. He faces charges linked to direct and shared command responsibility for systematic violations targeting civilians in Daraa province, including killings, torture and arbitrary detention during his tenure as head of the Political Security Branch in the province.

The charges also include involvement in the suppression of peaceful protests through the use of live ammunition and excessive force, as well as accusations of mass killings and involvement in the Omari Mosque massacre.

The trial is part of broader efforts by the Syrian government to pursue accountability for violations committed during the war, document key events and support measures aimed at preventing future.