A 58-year-old Syrian man living in the UK has been charged with crimes against humanity in what authorities describe as a historic first for the British justice system. The charges follow an investigation by the War Crimes Unit of Counter Terrorism Policing and were brought in coordination with the Crown Prosecution Service. The defendant, who previously served with the Syrian Air Force Intelligence (AFI), was formally charged through a postal requisition and is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court March 10.
Allegations Linked to 2011 Demonstrations
According to prosecutors, the charges relate to alleged actions during demonstrations that began in April 2011 in suburbs of Damascus. Investigators allege the suspect led a unit tasked with suppressing protests in the Jobar area east of the city center. The man faces seven charges in total: Three counts of murder as a crime against humanity. Three counts of torture. One charge of conduct ancillary to murder as a crime against humanity
The investigation was led by the War Crimes Team hosted by Counter Terrorism Policing in London. Helen Flanagan described the inquiry as highly complex, involving cooperation with partners across multiple countries.
“These charges are extremely serious and show that we fully support the UK’s ‘no safe haven’ policy in relation to alleged war criminals,” Flanagan said. “Where we are presented with allegations that fall within our jurisdiction, we will not hesitate to investigate them rigorously.”
Legal Basis for the Charges
Bethan David, head of the Counter Terrorism Division at the Crown Prosecution Service, confirmed prosecutors determined there was sufficient evidence to bring charges under the International Criminal Court Act 2001 and the Criminal Justice Act 1988. David emphasized the case is now active before the courts and reminded the public that the defendant has the right to a fair trial.
The investigation began in November 2020 after the war crimes unit received a referral containing allegations about the suspect. Following an initial assessment, authorities opened a formal investigation. Officers from Metropolitan Police Service arrested the man at an address in Buckinghamshire on Dec. 1, 2021. He was later released on bail while investigators continued gathering evidence, which ultimately led to the filing of charges.
