By Michael Holden LONDON, March 10 (Reuters) - A former member of Syria's Air Force Intelligence attended a British court hearing via videolink on Tuesday charged with crimes against humanity and
Ex-Syrian Intelligence Officer Charged with Crimes Against Humanity in UK Court
Details of the Court Proceedings and Charges
By Michael Holden
Background of the Case
LONDON, March 10 (Reuters) - A former member of Syria's Air Force Intelligence attended a British court hearing via videolink on Tuesday charged with crimes against humanity and torture relating to the suppression of pro-democracy demonstrations in Damascus in 2011.
Identity and Health of the Accused
Salem Michel Al-Salem, 58, who now lives in Britain, appeared virtually at the hearing at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court from his home. He was wearing a breathing apparatus mask and the court was told he suffered from degenerative motor neurone disease.
Specific Charges
Al-Salem is charged with three counts of murder as a crime against humanity relating to deaths in April and July 2011 "as part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population with knowledge of the attack".
He is also accused of three charges of torture relating to incidents in 2011 and 2012, and one of conduct ancillary to murder as a crime against humanity. He did not speak during the hearing and there was no indication as to how he would plead.
Legal Representation and Court Proceedings
His lawyer Sean Caulfield told the court that Al-Salem was too unwell to confirm his name.
Legal Context and Precedents
The seven charges were brought under a British law that allows the prosecution of serious international crimes committed abroad. The Crown Prosecution Service said it was the first time it had brought charges of murder as crimes against humanity.
Previous Similar Cases
In 2005, Afghan warlord Faryadi Zardad was convicted by a British court of torture that had taken place in Afghanistan.
Role and Actions of Al-Salem
Al-Salem, who has sought indefinite leave to remain in Britain, was a colonel in the Syrian Air Force Intelligence department with oversight of the Information Branch in the district of Jobar, to the east of central Damascus, British prosecutors say.
Leadership and Orders
He is accused of leading a group tasked with quelling the demonstrations, which mostly occurred during Friday afternoon prayers. Prosecutors say he gave his men orders to open fire on protesters, which led to the deaths of some individuals.
Allegations of Torture
Prosecutors say he was also present at, or took part in, the torture of men at the Information Branch building.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Al-Salem was first arrested in central England in December 2021. His lawyer had sought an order to withhold his name, arguing it could pose a risk to his safety. England's Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring rejected the application but ordered that his address not be made public.
Next Steps
He will next appear on Friday at London's Old Bailey court.
(Reporting by Michael HoldenEditing by Gareth Jones)
