Syrian authorities have begun prosecuting top figures from the former Bashar al-Assad regime for war crimes committed during the country's civil war. The moves come amid pressure on the transitional government to deliver justice.
On May 10 in a Damascus courtroom, Atef Najib, a cousin of Bashar al-Assad, appeared in a metal cage wearing a prison uniform. The judge read out 10 charges against him, including murder and torture. Bashar al-Assad and his brother Maher were also charged in absentia.