Syria Continues War Crimes Trials with Second Session of Wassim al-Assad Case

A Syrian court held the second session of the trial of Wassim al-Assad on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed under the former regime.

• The fourth criminal court in Damascus began the second session on Wednesday, hearing public witness testimony and reviewing documents, photos, and videos.
• The first session on June 24 read an indictment accusing al-Assad of forming and leading armed groups since 2011 and participating in military operations targeting civilians in Eastern Ghouta.
• The indictment also charges al-Assad with murder in Jaramana, incitement to violence, drug trafficking, and robbery, classified as war crimes and crimes against humanity.
• The same court held its fifth session on Tuesday in the separate trial of Atef Najib for similar crimes against the Syrian people.