Former Syrian officers face trial in Vienna over torture
A former intelligence brigadier general and a former local police lieutenant colonel are on trial in Vienna on charges linked to alleged abuse of opponents of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Khaled al-Halabi, 63, has been in pre-trial detention since 2024 and faces charges including torture, aggravated coercion, sexual coercion and multiple counts of serious bodily harm. Musab Abu Rukbah, 54, is accused of similar offences in Raqqa between April 2011 and March 2013. Both pleaded not guilty in June and face up to 10 years in prison, and the case is part of a series of European trials using universal jurisdiction.
Two former Syrian officers face criminal charges in Vienna.
Context
European courts have used universal jurisdiction to try suspected Syrian offenders. These two men were charged and pleaded not guilty. The court will decide guilt and any prison sentences next.
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