Damascus, Aug. 5 (SANA)TheFourth Criminal Courtat the Palace of Justice in Damascus on Wednesday concluded the fifth hearing in the trial of defendantWassim al-Assad, who is accused of multiple crimes against the Syrian people during the era of the ousted regime. The court set August 18 as the date for the next session to review the case and issue its verdict.

The previous hearing, held behind closed doors on July 29, referred the plaintiff—who claims he was shot by the defendant during the era of the ousted regime—to the Forensic Medical Authority to assess the injury, resulting disability, and damages as part of the judicial proceedings.

The first hearing was held on June 24. Al-Assad faces several charges, including establishing and leading irregular armed groups under the direction of Brigadier General Ghiath Dalla, commander of a brigade in the overthrown regime’s Fourth Division, since early 2011. He is also accused of participating in military operations targeting civilian areas in Eastern Ghouta, particularly the town of al-Mleiha, resulting in the deaths of many civilians.

On Tuesday, the Fourth Criminal Court also held its eighth hearing in the case against defendant Atef Najib, who is accused of murder, torture, and arbitrary detention during the era of the ousted regime.

As part of thetransitional justiceprocess, the Syrian judiciary continues prosecuting defendants accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the era of the ousted regime, with the aim of establishing the truth, delivering justice for victims, and holding those responsible accountable through judicial procedures.