Paris, April 25 (SANA) French prosecutors have charged a 34-year-old Syrian man with complicity in crimes against humanity over alleged serious violations committed during his service in the deposed Syrian government forces.
According to a report published by Agence France-Presse, the suspect—who has not been publicly named—has been living in France for several years and is currently held in pre-trial detention.
He faces multiple charges, including murder, arbitrary detention, torture, enforced disappearance, and other inhumane acts allegedly carried out in Syria between March 2011 and December 2015.
International Cooperation in the Investigation
French prosecutors said they worked closely with European judicial authorities, United Nations mechanisms, as well as Syrian and international non-governmental organizations during the investigation.
The collaboration reflects growing transnational efforts to document and prosecute alleged war crimes committed during the Syrian conflict.
Previous Cases and Expanding Probes
In December last year, French authorities filed similar charges against another individual suspected of belonging to Syria’s former intelligence apparatus and operating a detention facility where torture was allegedly carried out.
Earlier investigations also examined crimes against humanity allegedly committed between 2010 and 2013, a period that overlaps with the outbreak of the Syrian uprising in 2011.
Active Use of Universal Jurisdiction
France has increasingly relied on the principle of universal jurisdiction, allowing it to investigate and prosecute serious international crimes regardless of where they were committed or the nationality of those involved.
This legal framework has enabled French courts to pursue cases linked to Syria’s conflict, even when alleged perpetrators reside abroad.
Broader Legal Action Against Former Syrian Officials
French judicial authorities have issued multiple international arrest warrants targeting senior figures from Syria’s deposed regime, accusing them of complicity in crimes against humanity and war crimes.
These include warrants related to alleged chemical attacks in Douma and Eastern Ghouta in 2013, as well as attacks on civilian areas and media facilities in earlier phases of the conflict.
Ongoing Judicial Momentum
France has emerged as one of the most active European jurisdictions in pursuing accountability for crimes linked to Syria, with courts repeatedly affirming their authority to investigate such cases under universal jurisdiction principles.
Recent rulings by the French Court of Cassation have reinforced this legal basis, confirming the judiciary’s capacity to pursue grave international crimes committed abroad.
KA.MZ
