Austria puts Syrian ex-intelligence chief in Raqqa on trial for torture

By Francois Murphy

VIENNA, June 1 (Reuters) – A former Syrian intelligence chief in the city of Raqqa went on trial in Austria on charges of torture and sexual abuse on Monday over the mistreatment of opponents of then-leader Bashar al-Assad more than a decade ago.

It is a relatively rare case of a European country claiming jurisdiction for alleged crimes committed by agents of Assad’s government. The trial, due to last a month, will include alleged victims’ testimony.

المصدر: Al-Monitor