A US federal indictment has charged two former senior Syrian intelligence officers from the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad with “struggle crimes in opposition to Individuals and different civilians,” the Division of Justice introduced. The indictment accuses Jamil Hassan, 72, and Abdul Salam Mahmoud, 65, of conspiring to commit struggle crimes by subjecting detainees, together with US residents, to merciless and inhuman remedy at detention services such because the Mezzeh Army Airport jail close to Damascus, based on the justice division. Warrants for his or her arrest have been issued, although each stay at massive, the assertion learn on Monday.
“The perpetrators of the Assad regime’s atrocities in opposition to Americans and different civilians through the Syrian civil struggle should reply for his or her heinous crimes,” Legal professional Common Merrick Garland stated in a press release.
“As alleged, these Assad regime intelligence officers whipped, kicked, electrocuted, and burned their victims; hung them by their wrists for extended durations of time; threatened them with rape and demise; and falsely instructed them that their members of the family had been killed. The Justice Division has a protracted reminiscence, and we’ll by no means cease working to seek out and convey to justice those that tortured Individuals,” he added.
Deputy Legal professional Common Lisa Monaco reaffirmed the US’s dedication to accountability, stating, “The Assad regime might have fallen, however our dedication to accountability continues unabated. For the second time in a yr, the Division of Justice has introduced prices in opposition to those that dedicated struggle crimes in opposition to US residents, deploying a beforehand unused federal regulation to carry accountable people who engaged in merciless and inhuman atrocities throughout armed battle.”
FBI Director Christopher Wray stated the bureau stays devoted to collaborating with worldwide regulation enforcement to make sure justice is served. “Hassan and Mahmoud allegedly oversaw the systematic use of merciless and inhumane remedy on perceived enemies of the Syrian regime, together with Americans,” he stated.
In keeping with the Justice Division, Hassan, because the Director of Syrian Air Drive Intelligence, managed a community of detention centres, together with Mezzeh Jail. Mahmoud, a Brigadier Common, directed operations on the jail.
From January 2012 to July 2019, the 2 allegedly conspired to determine, intimidate, and punish people detained at Mezzeh, together with protesters, medical assist suppliers to regime opponents, and people who publicly criticised the Assad regime.
The indictment describes intimately the horrific remedy inflicted on detainees. Victims have been crushed, electrocuted, and burned with acid. Some had their toenails eliminated, have been hung by their wrists for prolonged durations, and have been subjected to psychological torment, comparable to listening to the screams of different tortured detainees or being compelled to share cells with lifeless our bodies.
Guards reportedly threatened detainees with the demise and sexual assault of their members of the family. Many have been additionally disadvantaged of enough meals, water, and medical care. The indictment prices the 2 males with one depend of conspiracy to commit the struggle crime of merciless and inhuman remedy.
If convicted, Hassan and Mahmoud might face life imprisonment. Sentencing will in the end be decided by a federal district court docket decide, making an allowance for the US Sentencing Tips and different statutory components.
