On November 18, Syria launched its first public trial addressing the horrific coastal mass killings of Alawite civilians earlier this year. Held at Aleppo's Justice Palace, the proceedings mark a pivotal moment in President Ahmed al-Sharaa's pledge for national accountability following the fall of Bashar al-Assad.br br The trial features a dozen defendants—split between pro-government fighters and Assad-era loyalists—facing charges including civil war incitement, murder, and looting. br br Syrian lawyer Mohamed Al-Abdallah emphasized the importance of legal reform in rebuilding trust in the judiciary, while families of the accused, like Ayman Bakoura, shared emotional appeals for justice.