France issues arrest warrants for Syrian president and two Generals over war crimes

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad gestures during an exclusive interview with AFP in the capital Damascus in this file photo. Pic/AFP

French judicial authorities have issued international arrest warrants for Syrian President Bashar Assad, his brother Maher Assad, and two army generals, Ghassan Abbas and Bassam al-Hassan, alleging their involvement in war crimes and crimes against humanity. The charges include the 2013 chemical attack on rebel-held Damascus suburbs.

Lawyers representing Syrian victims announced the issuance of the arrest warrants, calling it a crucial milestone in the battle against impunity. The warrants were issued under universal jurisdiction in France, and the investigation, opened in March 2021, continues.

The chemical attack in August 2013 on Douma and Eastern Ghouta resulted in over 1,000 deaths and thousands of injuries. The investigation is conducted by the Specialised Unit for Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes of the Paris Judicial Court.

The Syrian Centre for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM) filed the criminal complaint, leading to the arrest warrants. Mazen Darwish, the SCM's director, sees this development as a victory for the victims and survivors of the 2013 attacks.

Jeanne Sulzer and Clemence Witt, lawyers at the Paris Bar who represent the plaintiffs, and NGOs behind the complaint, hailed the decision Wednesday.

"It marks a crucial milestone in the battle against impunity," Sulzer told The Associated Press on the phone. "It signifies a positive evolution in case law recognising the grave nature of the crimes committed."

The Paris prosecutor's office has not publicly commented on the arrest warrants that remain secret under French law amid ongoing investigation.

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"Legally speaking, this is a procedural act as the investigation into the 2013 attacks in Eastern Ghouta and Douma continues," Sulzer said.

The international community widely deemed Assad's government responsible for the sarin gas attack. While the Syrian government denied involvement, the United States threatened military retaliation, but ultimately settled for a deal with Moscow for Syria to surrender its chemical weapons stockpile.

Despite Syria's claims of eliminating its chemical arsenal, watchdog groups have continued to allege chemical attacks by Syrian government forces. The arrest warrants allow for the individuals named to be brought to France for questioning by investigative judges. The Paris prosecutor's office has not publicly commented on the warrants due to ongoing investigations. (With inputs from Associated Press)