U.S. Charges Ex-Syrian Officials with War Crimes Against Americans and Civilians

Washington, Dec 10 (NationPress) A federal indictment in the United States has formally charged two former high-ranking Syrian intelligence officials linked to the regime of ex-President Bashar al-Assad with war crimes against Americans and other civilians, as announced by the Department of Justice.

The indictment alleges that Jamil Hassan, 72, and Abdul Salam Mahmoud, 65, engaged in a conspiracy to commit war crimes by exposing detainees, including U.S. citizens, to cruel and inhumane treatment at various detention facilities, notably the Mezzeh Military Airport prison located near Damascus, according to the Justice Department.

Although warrants for their arrest have been issued, both individuals are currently at large, the statement indicated on Monday.

Attorney General Merrick Garland stated, "The perpetrators of the Assad regime's atrocities against American citizens and other civilians during the Syrian civil war must answer for their heinous crimes."

He further added, "As alleged, these intelligence officials of the Assad regime subjected victims to beatings, electric shocks, and burns; they hung them by their wrists for extended periods; threatened them with sexual assault and death; and falsely informed them of their family members’ deaths. The Justice Department has a long memory, and we will never cease our efforts to find and bring to justice those who tortured Americans."

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco reiterated the U.S.'s commitment to accountability, declaring, "The Assad regime may have collapsed, but our commitment to accountability remains steadfast. For the second time within a year, the Department of Justice has initiated charges against individuals responsible for war crimes against U.S. citizens, utilizing a previously unused federal statute to hold accountable those involved in cruel and inhumane atrocities during armed conflict."

FBI Director Christopher Wray expressed that the bureau is committed to working with international law enforcement to ensure justice prevails.

"Hassan and Mahmoud are accused of overseeing the systematic application of cruel and inhumane treatment on perceived adversaries of the Syrian regime, including American citizens," he said.

The Justice Department stated that Hassan, in his capacity as Director of Syrian Air Force Intelligence, managed a network of detention facilities, including Mezzeh Prison. Mahmoud, a Brigadier General, was responsible for overseeing operations at this prison.

From January 2012 to July 2019, both men allegedly conspired to identify, intimidate, and punish detainees at Mezzeh, targeting protesters, medical aid personnel assisting regime opponents, and critics of the Assad regime.

The indictment details the horrific treatment inflicted on detainees. Victims reportedly endured beatings, electric shocks, and acid burns. Some had their toenails removed, were suspended by their wrists for long durations, and experienced psychological torment, including listening to the cries of other tortured inmates or being forced to share cells with deceased individuals.

Reports indicate that guards threatened detainees with death and sexual violence against their family members. Many detainees were also deprived of sufficient food, water, and medical treatment.

The indictment charges the two men with one count of conspiracy to commit the war crime of cruel and inhumane treatment. If convicted, Hassan and Mahmoud could face life imprisonment.

The final sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge, considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.