Syrian Court Charges Assad With Crimes From 2011 Daraa Crackdown

A Damascus court has indicted former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad over the violent suppression of peaceful protests in Daraa in 2011, Orda.kz reports, citing SANA.

Judge Tawfiq al-Ali said the charges include deliberate killings, torture leading to death, unlawful imprisonment, and “attempting to ignite civil war.” The ruling allows Syrian authorities to seek Interpol’s assistance for an international investigation.

The case was initiated by families of victims of the protests, which sparked Syria’s uprising.

On December 8, 2024, Assad’s 24-year rule collapsed as rebels liberated Damascus, forcing him to flee to Russia.

In January, a transitional administration led by Ahmed al-Sharaa was formed, which has since demanded Assad’s extradition.

Moscow has refused.

Original Author: Raushan Korzhumbekova