PARIS (AP) — The landmark trial of three former Syrian intelligence officials began Tuesday at a Paris court for the alleged torture and killing of a French-Syrian father and son who were arrested over a decade ago, during the height of Arab Spring-inspired anti-government protests.
International warrants have been issued for the defendants, being tried in absentia.
The father Mazen Dabbagh and his son, Patrick, were arrested in the Syrian capital, Damascus, in 2013, following a crackdown on demonstrations that later turned into a brutal civil war, now in its 14th year. The probe into their disappearance started in 2015 when Obeida Dabbagh, Mazen’s brother, testified to investigators already examining war crimes in Syria.
The four-day hearings come as Syria’s President Bashar Assad has started to shed his longtime status as a pariah that stemmed from the violence unleashed on his opponents. Human rights groups involved in the case hope it will refocus attention on alleged atrocities.
Guardians ruin Francisco Lindor's Cleveland homecoming, trip Mets 3
Elias Díaz gets key hit as the Rockies rally for a wild 10
Alabama lawmakers advance bill that could lead to prosecution of librarians
The 49ers take Florida receiver Ricky Pearsall with the 30th pick in the NFL draft
Singapore Airlines: 1 dead, others injured after London
Indonesia and Japan advance at U23 Asian Cup. South Korea out of contention for Paris Olympics
Miami Dolphins bolster pass rush, taking Chop Robinson of Penn State with 21st pick of NFL draft
As some universities negotiate with pro
A Canadian serial killer who brought victims to a pig farm is hospitalized after a prison assault
Ravens pick Clemson CB Nate Wiggins in the first round, adding depth and speed to their secondary