Sweden has commenced the trial of a former Syrian army officer for his alleged involvement in war crimes during the country’s civil war in 2012.
Brigadier General Mohammed Hamo, currently residing in Sweden, is facing charges related to aiding and abetting violations of international law. This trial marks a rare occurrence of high-ranking Syrian government or military officials being held accountable for their actions during the 13-year civil war.
During his time as a brigadier general in the Syrian army from January to July 2012, Hamo is accused of participating in operations that violated international laws of warfare, including principles of distinction, caution, and proportionality.
The prosecution alleges that Hamo played a significant role in the Syrian army’s indiscriminate warfare, making strategic decisions and implementing military operations within the 11th Division.
Despite maintaining his innocence and claiming to have acted under military orders, Hamo faces serious charges that could lead to legal consequences.
‘Complete impunity’
Estimates suggest that nearly half a million people lost their lives in the Syrian civil war, which erupted following government repression of pro-democracy protests. The conflict has led to mass displacement, with half of the country’s population fleeing, triggering a migration crisis in the Middle East and Europe.
However, the number of Syrian officials facing trial remains low, highlighting the challenges in holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
In November, France issued an international…
Source from www.aljazeera.com