BERLIN, Sept 30 — German authorities today arrested a Syrian man accused of committing crimes against humanity as a militia leader in Aleppo in 2011, prosecutors announced.
BERLIN, Sept 30 — German authorities today arrested a Syrian man accused of committing crimes against humanity as a militia leader in Aleppo in 2011, prosecutors announced.
The suspect, identified only as Anwar S. under German privacy laws, is alleged to have led the “shabiha militia” operating in Aleppo on behalf of the former Syrian government under then-president Bashar al-Assad.
Prosecutors said that between April and November 2011, on at least eight occasions following Friday prayers, Anwar S. and his militia used batons, metal pipes, and other weapons to attack civilians to break up protests. Electric shocks were also reportedly used.
Some demonstrators were handed over to security forces, where they suffered severe abuse while in custody, prosecutors added. In one case, a detainee is believed to have died as a result.
Reuters was unable to immediately reach Anwar S.’s lawyer for comment.
In recent years, Germany has pursued several former Syrian officials under universal jurisdiction laws, which allow prosecutors to try suspects for crimes against humanity committed abroad. — Reuters
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