It is a big deal that French Judges have held 3 top-ranking Syrian officials guilty for their action. These officials involved in the torture of 2 Syrian- French citizens named as Patrick Dabbagh and his father Mazzen. They are also convicted for imprisoning, forcibly disappearing. This happened back in 2013, and the officials also confiscated their property. This conviction is the clear indication against such grave violation of human rights in France.
On May 24, the court announced its decision. It was the day of justice. Imprisoning, disappearing and torturing people were the actions that demand strict punishment. So the cruel actions of officials such as Ali Mamlouk, Jamil Hassan, and Abdel Salam amounted to crimes against humanity and war crimes.
The trial in Paris happened without the accused being there, called “in absentia.” International law only allows it if certain rules are followed otherwise foreign laws don’t like it. One of the important rule issued here is that
One important rule is that if the person convicted in absentia is later found and arrested, they must get a full and fair retrial. Also the French laws make sure that everyone follows this rule.
The first day of trial was attended by many Syrian families, activists, and civil society groups. Additionally the report was given by Human Rights Watch. Many of them brought pictures of their loved ones. These people had disappeared in Syrian prisons.
Many organizations including Human Rights Watch had reported on the situation in Syria since 2011. According to them Syria government has been involved in the day by day increasing arbitrary detention and torture. All of these acts that were performed against humanity are crimes. There is much strong evidence that explores all of these actions. It includes UN findings and efforts to seek justice in European courts and the World Court. But there is no sign that the Syrian government has stopped these abuses. Or the government also does not hold anyone responsible over the past decade.
One of the clear messages sent by the Court case in Paris to the Assad government about the crimes: The world is still watching every crime and won’t forget its many abuses. This legal action reminds us that even powerful regimes can’t escape accountability. It also points out the severe need for justice. Also international law should take steps in order to realize leaders responsible for their actions.
The case stands as a beacon of hope for victims and a warning to perpetrators that their crimes will not go unnoticed. It’s a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice, no matter how long it takes.
During the trial, the court looked at thousands of Caesar photographs showing detainees who died in detention. It is the clear evidence of increasing torture , starvation and beatings in the prisons of Syrian government.
They also heard from French investigators, members of a UN investigative team, and survivors. It’s clear these detainees suffered horrifically, and the evidence presented is overwhelming.
In 2016, human rights groups and Obeida Dabbagh, a relative of the victims, with support from the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM), filed a complaint in France. Their complaint is about the involvement of the Syrian government of crimes against humanity.
Government also involved in different cases that are a clear indication of human rights violation.
Syria is also involved in the ongoing crisis of disappearing. One of the clear examples of it, Patrick and Mazzen Dabbagh vanished in Syria over a decade ago. Their families are still searching for them and seeking answers. It is important to break this cycle of impunity and the government should also take steps to prevent such actions against humanity.
