Syrian FM holds first-ever talks with ICC president on Assad accountability

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al Shaibani met International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane to discuss the issue of holding ousted leader Bashar al Assad and figures of his erstwhile regime accountable, in the “first meeting of its kind” between the two sides. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. Discussions centered on transitional justice and holding those responsible for crimes accountable, including Assad and other members of the former regime. Assad, who fled to Russia in late 2024, faces an in-absentia arrest warrant issued by Damascus. A transitional administration led by President Ahmed al Sharaa was formed in January 2025.