Syrian ex-colonel accused of crimes against humanity deemed 'unfit to plead'
Summary
A former Syrian Air Force intelligence colonel, Salem Michel Al-Salem, has been declared unable to stand trial for crimes against humanity due to advanced motor neurone disease. He faces charges related to the killing and torture of protesters in Damascus during 2011-2012, but a trial on the facts will proceed without his participation in 2027.Key Facts
- Salem Michel Al-Salem, 58, is charged with murder and torture as crimes against humanity.
- The charges relate to events in Damascus during protests in 2011 and 2012.
- He is diagnosed with advanced motor neurone disease, causing paralysis and severe speech problems.
- A judge ruled him "unfit to stand trial" based on medical expert opinions.
- Al-Salem appeared in court via video wearing an oxygen mask.
- He served as a colonel in Syrian Air Force Intelligence and allegedly led violent actions against protesters.
- He was arrested in December 2021 and released on bail until charges were made public.
- The charges are the first murder crimes against humanity brought under UK law linked to the Syrian civil war.
- A trial without Al-Salem’s participation is scheduled for 2027 to decide the facts of the case.
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