Berlin, Germany – The German public prosecutor’s office announced that it has filed formal charges against a former member of the Syrian intelligence service, on suspicion of committing crimes against humanity and systematic torture and murder.
This is about dozens of prisoners in one of Damascus’ prisons during the first year of the Syrian revolution.
100 interrogation and torture operations
According to a statement issued by the public prosecutor’s office, the accused, identified as “Fahd. A” under German privacy rules,
He had been arrested last May.
Investigations indicate that he worked as a guard in an intelligence prison in Damascus between April 2011 and April 2012.
Indictment
Physical torture: The accused participated in more than 100 interrogation operations during which prisoners were subjected to electric shocks and severe beatings with cables.
Nighttime abuses: In compliance with his superiors’ orders, the accused abused prisoners at night through brutal methods including hanging them from the ceiling.
Also, immersion in cold water, and being forced to remain in painful physical positions for long periods.
The fatal outcome: The statement confirmed that this mistreatment, coupled with the catastrophic conditions inside the prison,
Which led to the death of at least 70 prisoners
Universal Jurisdiction
German prosecutors based their case on the principles of “universal jurisdiction”.
It is a legal provision that gives German courts the authority to prosecute perpetrators of international crimes (war crimes and crimes against humanity).
This is regardless of the nationality of the victims or perpetrators, or where the crime took place.
Syrian trials in Germany
This case is the latest in a series of trials taking place in Germany, which hosts around one million Syrian refugees.
Over the past years, the judicial authorities there have succeeded in arresting and prosecuting many people.
Those suspected of involvement in human rights abuses during the Syrian conflict,
This makes Berlin the most prominent destination for prosecuting Syrian “war criminals”.
Scene summary
This case underscores the ongoing human rights and judicial efforts in Europe.
This is to ensure that perpetrators of crimes in Syria do not escape punishment.
Even after many years have passed since those violations occurred.
