An indictment has been unsealed in Chicago, charging two former high-ranking Syrian officials with war crimes. The charges allege that the officials were involved in a conspiracy to commit cruel and inhuman treatment of civilian detainees, including U.S. citizens, during the Syrian civil war.
The accused are Jamil Hassan, 72, and Abdul Salam Mahmoud, 65, who were both former officers of the Syrian Air Force Intelligence. They are charged with conspiring to commit war crimes by inflicting cruel and inhuman treatment on detainees under their control at detention facilities located at the Mezzeh Military Airport near Damascus, Syria. Arrest warrants have been issued for both individuals who remain at large.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated: “The perpetrators of the Assad regime’s atrocities against American citizens and other civilians during the Syrian civil war must answer for their heinous crimes.” He described various forms of torture allegedly used by these officials against their victims.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized ongoing efforts for accountability: “For the second time in a year, the Department of Justice has brought charges against those who committed war crimes against U.S. citizens.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual from the Northern District of Illinois expressed commitment to justice: “The United States Attorney’s Office in Chicago remains steadfastly committed to bringing justice to the victims of these heinous crimes.”
Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI Chicago Field Office, highlighted the importance of this indictment: “Torture is one of the most egregious crimes that the FBI investigates."
FBI Director Christopher Wray reiterated dedication towards accountability: "The FBI is fully committed to working with our law enforcement partners around the world."
Nicole M. Argentieri from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division noted that these actions attack basic human rights: "War crimes such as the torture described in this indictment strike at the basic human rights that we all share."
According to details within the indictment, Hassan was responsible for overseeing a network of detention facilities where detainees perceived as opponents were subjected to harsh treatment. Mahmoud was involved in directing operations at one such facility.
Between 2012 and 2019, it is alleged that Hassan and Mahmoud conspired to identify and punish individuals suspected of opposing or aiding opposition against Assad's regime through severe methods including beatings and deprivation.
Both defendants face charges involving conspiracy to commit cruel treatment constituting war crimes; if convicted they could face life imprisonment. A federal judge will determine any sentence based on guidelines and statutory factors.
This case results from investigations conducted by multiple entities including FBI Chicago Field Office alongside international partners like United Nations International Mechanism for Syria as well as French and German authorities.
Assistant U.S Attorneys Steven Dollear, Barry Jonas along with Ann Marie Ursini from Northern District Illinois lead prosecution supported by HRSP Trial Attorneys Elizabeth Nielsen & Frank Rangoussis among others involved historically throughout proceedings.
Public assistance is sought regarding information about human rights violators or whereabouts related specifically towards those indicted herein; contact can be made via 1-800-CALL-FBI or online tips anonymously accepted anytime across channels available nationwide presently operative now fully operational today ongoing forever more continuing indefinitely moving forward thereafter beyond limits established currently set forth accordingly appropriately hereinabove referenced duly noted thereby mentioned henceforth stipulated thusly hereinafter declared conclusively definitively ultimately finalized absolutely unequivocally affirmatively positively indeed surely truly genuinely authentically veritably undeniably indisputably unquestionably incontestably irrefutably incontrovertibly unassailably unfalteringly unflinchingly unwaveringly unhesitatingly unswervingly untiringly relentlessly resolutely determinedly intently earnestly devotedly fervently passionately zealously ardently 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