In a landmark trial in Paris, Syrian intelligence officials are facing charges over the disappearance and deaths of a French-Syrian father and son, Mazen and Patrick Dabbagh. The trial, set to begin this week, will focus on allegations of torture and arbitrary detentions carried out by Syrian authorities during the country's ongoing civil war.
The Accused
The accused individuals include Ali Mamlouk, former head of the National Security Bureau; Jamil Hassan, former Air Force intelligence director; and Salam Mahmoud, a former investigations official. They are charged with crimes against humanity, including arrest, torture, and killing of the father and son.
Legal Proceedings
The accused are being tried in absentia, with arrest warrants issued by French magistrates in 2018. The trial is significant due to the seniority of the accused officials within the Syrian regime and the detailed evidence of torture practices presented in the legal file.
Reason for Trial in France
The Dabbagh family had dual French-Syrian nationality, allowing French authorities to pursue the case. The investigation began in 2015 when Obeida Dabbagh, Mazen's brother, provided testimony about the disappearance of his family members.
Expected Revelations
The trial is anticipated to expose widespread torture practices in Syrian detention centers, based on survivor testimonies and evidence collected by French investigating magistrates. The case highlights the atrocities committed during the conflict in Syria.
Other Legal Actions
France has also targeted President Bashar Assad in a separate investigation related to chemical weapons attacks in Damascus in 2013. Additionally, legal actions in Switzerland, Sweden, and Germany have pursued individuals linked to war crimes in Syria, demonstrating international efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.
