Trial of Syrian Man Accused of Torture Begins in Netherlands
A trial has commenced in The Hague, Netherlands, against a 58-year-old Syrian man identified as Rafiq al Q., accused of crimes against humanity including torture and sexual violence during Syria's civil war. Prosecutors allege he served as a lead interrogator for the pro-Assad National Defence Force. The defendant denied all charges, claiming he was a civil servant and that the victims, witnesses, and police are conspiring against him. He also refuted being an Assad supporter. The case relies on the principle of universal jurisdiction, allowing prosecution for international offenses committed abroad. This follows previous Dutch convictions of Syrians for similar war crimes. The conflict began in 2011, leading to nearly 14 years of war before Assad's removal in 2024. Hearings are scheduled to continue for two weeks, with a verdict expected on June 9th.
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Trial of Syrian Man Accused of Torture Begins in Netherlands
A trial has commenced in The Hague, Netherlands, against a 58-year-old Syrian man identified as Rafiq al Q., accused of crimes against humanity including torture and sexual violence during Syria's civil war. Prosecutors allege he served as a lead interrogator for the pro-Assad National Defence Force. The defendant denied all charges, claiming he was a civil servant and that the victims, witnesses, and police are conspiring against him. He also refuted being an Assad supporter. The case relies on the principle of universal jurisdiction, allowing prosecution for international offenses committed abroad. This follows previous Dutch convictions of Syrians for similar war crimes. The conflict began in 2011, leading to nearly 14 years of war before Assad's removal in 2024. Hearings are scheduled to continue for two weeks, with a verdict expected on June 9th.
AP News