Geneva, 17 January 2022 (TDI): There is potential to achieve much-needed justice within the disputed land in Syria. A tweet was posted by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) on the guilty verdict of the Syrian intelligence officer, Anwar R. by the Koblenz Higher Regional Court.

The Koblenz Higher Regional Court found evidence of humanitarian crimes conducted by Mr Anwar R.

According to the court, evidence proves that the officer conducted activities. Such as Killing, rape, torture, sexual assault and depriving liberty to 14 cases. Also on taking in hostages in two cases and sexually abusing prisoners in 3 cases.

A step in the Right Direction

The United Nations Independent Commission of Inquiry supports the verdict made by the Koblenz Higher Regional Court. They said it was a much-needed step towards providing the people of Syria with justice. Although there is a lack of accountability within the country.

The officer charged guilty had tortured millions of individuals throughout the years from 2011-12 within the Syrian General Intelligence in Damascus, within the  Al-Khatib branch.

In February 2021, his colleague, Eyad A. was also declared guilty and was sentenced to imprisonment for 4.5 years. This is a significant event as for the first time, an ex-employee of the Syrian intelligence services is being held accountable in universal jurisdiction.

However, a vital component of the proceeding was the advocacy efforts by victims. The proofs were provided by witnesses and the activists of Germany.

Moreover, Germany released a code in 2002. The Code of Crimes opposes international law crimes. In this code, neither the victims nor the prosecutors are to be nationals of Germany.

Hanny Megally, the commissioner of Inquiry of the Syrian Arab Republic reiterates that with increasing efforts and cooperation, justice will be provided to the people of Syria.

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