Germany puts Syrian man on trial over prison killings
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – A German court opened on Monday the trial of a Syrian national accused of involvement in torture, violent interrogations, and the killing of dozens of detainees in Syria.
The Higher Regional Court in Koblenz stated that the defendant faces charges linked to the deaths of at least 70 prisoners, in addition to participating in interrogations described as involving severe abuse and mistreatment.
According to the German federal prosecutor, the man allegedly worked as a guard at a detention facility run by Syrian intelligence services in Damascus between 2011 and 2012, during the early years of the Syrian conflict.
Prosecutors said the accused took part in multiple interrogations in which detainees were subjected to torture and ill-treatment. The indictment alleges that detainees were abused using methods including beatings and electric shocks.
The court documents further indicate that at least 70 prisoners are believed to have died as a result of the violence and the harsh conditions of detention at the facility.
German courts have previously handled similar cases under the principle of universal jurisdiction, allowing prosecution of serious crimes committed abroad.