A Syrian man living in the Netherlands has been arrested on suspicion of crimes against humanity in his homeland, the Dutch public prosecution service said.
The man is believed to have led the interrogation department of the National Defence Forces, a militia aligned to the government of President Bashar Al Assad, in the western Syrian city of Salamiyah, from 2013 to 2014, the service said in a statement. It did not identify the man.
"The suspicion is that from this position, the man committed acts of torture and sexual violence against civilians," it said.
The man, 55, arrived in the Netherlands in July 2021, after which he received a temporary asylum permit. Following a tip, the International Crimes Team tracked him down.
It is the first time Dutch authorities have charged a suspect with sexual violence as a crime against humanity.
Under universal jurisdiction, the Netherlands can prosecute certain crimes even if they were committed abroad. Dutch courts have convicted several Syrian citizens of war crimes, including opposition figures and militia members.
Last month, France issued an international arrest warrant for Mr Al Assad after accusing him of being complicit in war crimes and crimes against humanity over chemical attacks in 2013.
The Netherlands and Canada have also taken Syria to the top UN court, accusing Mr Al Assad's government of carrying out years of “institutionalised” torture against its own people.
The Netherlands is not the only country in Europe prosecuting crimes in Syria.
A German court convicted a former member of Mr Al Assad’s secret police for facilitating the torture of prisoners. The man was convicted of accessory to crimes against humanity and sentenced to 4 and a half years in prison.
In July, another German court convicted a Syrian man of torturing captives on half of ISIS. He was jailed for 11 years.
Three months earlier, France issued arrest warrants for three high-ranking Syrian intelligence officers accused of complicity in crimes against humanity, a case linked to a father and son who disappeared a decade ago.
With little prospect of the men being extradited to France, prosecutors said a trial could proceed without them.
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
Tuesday's fixtures
Kyrgyzstan v Qatar, 5.45pm
The%20specs
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WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
