US EditionAlleged Syrian Militia Member Tells Trial He Did Not Torture Prisoners
The 57-year-old defendant faces 25 charges, including torture and rape, in the Netherlands’ first case over alleged Syrian atrocities by pro-government forces.
- On Wednesday, 58-year-old Rafiq al Q. denied 25 counts of torture and sexual violence at the District Court of The Hague, rejecting all allegations as lies.
- Prosecutors allege Rafiq led an interrogation unit for the pro-Assad National Defence Forces in Salamiyah, Syria, during 2013 and 2014, before seeking asylum in the Netherlands in 2021.
- The Netherlands is using universal jurisdiction to prosecute these alleged crimes, marking the first time Dutch prosecutors have charged sexual violence as a crime against humanity.
- Denying the charges, Rafiq claimed victims and prosecutors were conspiring against him, as hearings continue for two weeks with a verdict scheduled for June 9.
- While the Syrian conflict lasted nearly 14 years, the Netherlands has previously convicted other Syrians for war crimes, and the government of Syrian Presdient Bashar Assad was overthrown in 2024.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Dutch trial of Syrian man accused of torture during war begins
A Syrian man accused of crimes against humanity denied dozens of charges of torture and sexual violence in the opening of his trial in the Netherlands on Wednesday. The 58-year-old, identified only as Rafiq al Q. due to Dutch privacy regulations, claimed he was being conspired against and refuted accusations of being a supporter of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Prosecutors at the District Court of The Hague said he was a member of the…
Trial Unfolds: Syrian Man Denies Human Rights Violations in Dutch Court
A Syrian man, Rafiq al Q, is on trial in the Netherlands for alleged crimes against humanity. He denies the charges, claiming a conspiracy against him. The trial explores universal jurisdiction principles, a legal mechanism allowing prosecution for war crimes committed abroad. Hearings continue amidst Syrian geopolitical shifts.
A 57-year-old Syrian man from Druten will appear before the court in The Hague in the coming weeks for torturing and raping prisoners in Syria. The Public Prosecution Service suspects Rafik A. of crimes against humanity. According to the prosecution, the suspect was active in 2013 and 2014 as the chief interrogator for the National Defence Force militia, which is affiliated with the Syrian regime. In that role, he allegedly interrogated prisoner…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
