PARIS (AP) — The landmark trial of three former Syrian intelligence officials began Tuesday at a Paris court for the alleged torture and killing of a French-Syrian father and son who were arrested over a decade ago, during the height of Arab Spring-inspired anti-government protests. International warrants have been issued for the defendants, being tried in absentia. The father Mazen Dabbagh and his son, Patrick, were arrested in the Syrian capital, Damascus, in 2013, following a crackdown on demonstrations that later turned into a brutal civil war, now in its 14th year. The probe into their disappearance started in 2015 when Obeida Dabbagh, Mazen’s brother, testified to investigators already examining war crimes in Syria. The four-day hearings come as Syria’s President Bashar Assad has started to shed his longtime status as a pariah that stemmed from the violence unleashed on his opponents. Human rights groups involved in the case hope it will refocus attention on alleged atrocities. |
Highlights of China's May Day holiday tell consumption vitalitySkenes strikes out 7 in debut, Pirates hit 5 homers in 10What to expect in Nebraska's presidential and state primariesChinese EV maker Zeekr surges 34 pct in Wall Street debutBlues rise, Crusaders fall marks Super Rugby power shift in New ZealandIPL leader Kolkata qualifies for playoffs after rainOne is highly amusedClevinger combines with 3 relievers on a 4Musa has goal, assist to propel Dallas to 2Brighton dents Newcastle's European hopes by securing EPL draw