Information
In Stockholm, a trial began for Mohammed Hamo, a 65-year-old former Syrian military official, marking him as the highest-ranked Syrian military official to face trial in Europe for his role during the Syrian conflict. Hamo is accused of aiding and abetting indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks on Syrian towns, particularly around Hama and Homs, in 2012. Prosecutor Karolina Wieslander charged that Hamo, as a brigadier general and head of an armament detachment in the Syrian army’s 11th division, played a crucial role in both strategic decision-making and logistical support for military operations that violated international warfare principles. These attacks allegedly caused significant civilian casualties and damage, leading to charges of indiscriminate warfare against him.
The significance of this trial extends beyond Hamo’s individual case, as it represents a landmark in European judicial proceedings against Syrian military actions. According to Aida Samani from Civil Rights Defenders, this is the first European trial addressing such indiscriminate attacks by the Syrian army, providing a platform for the victims to be heard in an independent court. Defence lawyer Mari Kilman argued that Hamo, who defected from the Syrian army in July 2012, acted within the confines of military duty and Syrian law, denying intent for the indiscriminate attacks. The trial not only underscores ongoing international efforts to hold Syrian officials accountable but also aligns with broader legal actions, including recent charges against other high-ranking officials and relatives of President Bashar Assad in Europe, signalling a continued push against impunity in Syrian war crimes.
Source: AFP, AP
So what
This is a positive move for international justice, showing leaders within states that conduct these types of crimes that they will be held to account, which may lead to some being discouraged against it. Regardless, holding them accountable gives the victims some justice, even if it takes time.
Follow us to join the intelligence community!