Germany | Action Group
The Higher Regional Court in Koblenz, Germany, announced the start of the trial of five individuals, starting November 19, on serious charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes in Syria.
The court’s State Protection Chamber accepted the indictment submitted by the public prosecutor and opened the main proceedings in the case, which will extend over 40 trial sessions until June 2026.
According to German media, the five, who are stateless Palestinian Syrian refugees (aged between 42 and 56), are accused of murder and attempted murder of civilians, as well as torture.
Militia and intelligence membership: The defendants, who were arrested in July 2024, are suspected of participating as members of armed militias loyal to the Syrian regime between 2012 and 2014, in addition to their involvement with the Syrian intelligence apparatus.
Violence and Torture:
The individuals are accused of repeatedly committing severe physical abuse against civilians at checkpoints, including beating them on the head with rifle butts.
Mass Murder (July 2012): The indictment includes the shooting of peaceful anti-government protesters in Damascus on July 13, 2012, which resulted in the deaths of at least six people, including a 14-year-old boy, and the serious injury of other civilians.
Four of the suspects reportedly belonged to the pro-Syrian regime Free Palestine Movement, which was funded by businessman Yasser Qashlaq.
Following their arrest on July 3, 2014, the Public Prosecution revealed that the individuals included Syrian Palestinians Jihad A., Mahmoud A., Samir S., and Wael S., as well as Syrian citizen Mazhar J. However, the new announcement indicates that all five are Palestinians.