PARIS (AP) — The landmark trial of three former Syrian intelligence officials began Tuesday at a Paris court for the alleged torture and killing of a French-Syrian father and son who were arrested over a decade ago, during the height of Arab Spring-inspired anti-government protests. International warrants have been issued for the defendants, being tried in absentia. The father Mazen Dabbagh and his son, Patrick, were arrested in the Syrian capital, Damascus, in 2013, following a crackdown on demonstrations that later turned into a brutal civil war, now in its 14th year. The probe into their disappearance started in 2015 when Obeida Dabbagh, Mazen’s brother, testified to investigators already examining war crimes in Syria. The four-day hearings come as Syria’s President Bashar Assad has started to shed his longtime status as a pariah that stemmed from the violence unleashed on his opponents. Human rights groups involved in the case hope it will refocus attention on alleged atrocities. |
Kosovo backs Ukraine even though Kyiv has not recognized its independence, foreign minister saysElection 2024: Trump's youngest son picked as Florida delegate to RNCConnecticut lawmakers adjourn session, fail to pass AI regulations but pass absentee ballot reformsKim Kardashian opens up about 10King Charles and Queen Camilla tell doubleGogglebox legend signs up for Celebs Go Dating after shock divorce announcementHaiti violence: Transitional council embraces new changes following turmoilGogglebox legend signs up for Celebs Go Dating after shock divorce announcementSeeds from China's space station applied in breeding experimentsTrump hush money trial: Defense attorneys attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility