in , ,

France Issues New War Crimes Warrant for Al-Assad

Read Time:1 Minute, 36 Second

French judges have issued a new arrest warrant for Syria’s former president, Bashar al-Assad, accusing him of war crimes linked to a deadly barrel bomb attack in 2017. The attack, which targeted the home of French-Syrian citizen Salah Abou Nabout in Daraa on June 7, 2017, resulted in Nabout’s death and is now central to the investigation by France’s special unit for crimes against humanity.

The Paris Tribunal issued the warrant this week, holding al-Assad responsible as “commander-in-chief of the armed forces.” This development follows his ousting last month during a rebel offensive that forced him into exile in Russia.

The investigation, initiated in 2018, previously led to arrest warrants for six senior Syrian military officials accused of executing al-Assad’s orders. Omar Abou Nabout, the victim’s son, expressed hope for justice, stating, “This case represents the culmination of a long fight for justice, in which I and my family believed from the start.”

This is the second warrant issued by France against al-Assad. The first, filed in November 2023, accused him of responsibility for chemical attacks in 2013 that killed over 1,000 civilians in Douma and Eastern Ghouta. The al-Assad regime has consistently denied using chemical weapons or barrel bombs during Syria’s 14-year civil war.

International efforts to address war crimes in Syria have gained traction. Last week, International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Karim Khan met with Syria’s transitional leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, to discuss accountability for alleged crimes.

Legal actions targeting Syrian officials and militants are also underway in several European nations, including Germany and the Netherlands, as part of a growing movement to bring justice to victims of the Syrian conflict.

See also  '99 US Women's Soccer Team to Reunite in Historic Legacy Match in Honor of 25 Years

This latest French warrant underscores the increasing global resolve to hold Syria’s former leadership accountable for alleged atrocities and to deliver justice for those affected by the long-standing war.

What do you think?

Record Snowfall Blankets US South Amid Winter Storm

Trump Warns Putin in Truth Social Post