A former Syrian colonel facing accusations of killing and torturing protesters during the 2011 uprisings is scheduled to appear for a trial estimated to last about three months, commencing in October 2027.
Salem Al-Salem, aged 58, is anticipated to contest the charges related to his purported role in suppressing protests in a Damascus suburb, as indicated by his legal representation.
He is charged with three counts of murder categorized as crimes against humanity, alongside three counts of torture and an additional charge related to his involvement in murder.
Al-Salem's prosecution represents a pioneering case in the United Kingdom, marking the first instance where the Crown Prosecution Service has brought a murder charge as a crime against humanity in accordance with the International Criminal Court Act 2001.
This notable case constitutes the second prosecution initiated by Scotland Yard's war crimes unit in the previous two decades.
On the recent occasion, Al-Salem, currently out on conditional bail, attended a preliminary hearing via video linkage at the Old Bailey, presided over by Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb, who confirmed that the earliest possible date for his trial is October 2027.
His defense counsel, Patrick Gibbs KC, reported that they are likely to dispute the charges against him.
The allegations detail his supposed involvement in the deaths of four specific individuals—Omar Al-Homsi, Nizar Fayoumi-AlKhatib, Mohammed Salim Zahrak Balik, and Talhat Dalal—occurring between April and July 2011.
He is claimed to have been 'responsible for killing' three of the aforementioned victims within the context of a widespread assault against civilians.
Furthermore, he faces supplementary allegations related to the murder of Mr. Balik.
The charges also include claims of torture inflicted upon three individuals while ostensibly performing his official duties between August 2011 and March 2012.
During the hearing, Prosecutor Emilie Pottle stated, 'He was tasked with suppressing civilian protests against the regime, and the defendant directed officers under his command to shoot at protesters, participating in these acts himself.'
As a result of these actions, certain individuals lost their lives, leading to charges of murder being filed under the banner of crimes against humanity.
Additionally, it was noted that these shooting incidents formed part of a broader regime strategy to stifle demonstrations, exhibiting a systematic assault against the civilian populace.
He is also accused of torturing civilians detained at an intelligence facility in Damascus, with allegations that he was present during interrogations and at times inflicted physical harm on detainees.
Reports of extreme physical abuse ensued, detailing that detainees faced beatings, electrocution, and were hung from hooks while handcuffed.
At the time the alleged offenses took place, Al-Salem held the position of colonel within the Syrian Air Force Intelligence (SAFI), commanding a faction aimed at disrupting protests in the village of Jobar, located near Damascus.
SAFI has been characterized by the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights as one of the most formidable and brutal security agencies within Syria.
Currently, Al-Salem suffers from motor neurone disease and has become largely housebound, as information from the court revealed.
He was initially arrested on December 1, 2021, and released on bail until the formal charges were filed this past Monday.
The allegations against him came after a comprehensive four-year investigation conducted by the Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP)'s war crimes division.
Commander Helen Flanagan, who oversees the unit, commented, 'This investigation has been exceptionally complex, necessitating thorough inquiries across various nations.'
She emphasized the need for close collaboration with numerous international partners and CPS counterparts.
Flanagan concluded, stating, 'The severity of the charges reflects our commitment to the UK's policy of ensuring no safe haven for those accused of war crimes.'
She further noted, 'In cases where we are presented with allegations of war crimes that fall under our jurisdiction, we are poised to engage in rigorous and comprehensive investigations.'
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