Outrage Over Khaled al-Fares’ Return to Syria Amid Calls for…

Khaled al-Fares, accused of aiding the Syrian regime in the assassination of journalist Marie Colvin, has returned to Syria, inciting anger and protests. Activists are calling for his prosecution for war crimes. Al-Fares’ involvement with the regime has been documented, yet he continues to operate freely, reflecting a concerning lack of accountability for war criminals in the country.

Activists and human rights organizations are demanding accountability for Khaled al-Fares, alleged war criminal and figure linked to the 2012 assassination of American journalist Marie Colvin. Protests have erupted across Syria, especially in Damascus following al-Fares’ return from Dubai. His involvement with the former regime and role in targeting Colvin has enraged many, as he now openly operates a business in Damascus.

Documents indicate that al-Fares was a key player in the regime’s intelligence operations, reportedly providing information that led to Colvin’s death during an artillery strike while she covered the Syrian conflict. He has been associated with the pro-Assad National Defense Forces, allegedly aiding in the tracking of journalists and civilians. The U.S. court ruling in 2019 confirmed his links to Colvin’s targeted killing.

The Syrian Committee for Human Rights has publicly condemned the freedom afforded to al-Fares, urging the government to prosecute him rather than allow his return to business as usual. Activist Najm al-Din al-Najm criticized the situation, stating, “A notorious criminal is being reintroduced in Syria… criminals are working to settle their status with the new regime.”

Al-Fares’s links to war crimes extend beyond Colvin’s assassination; he is accused of drug trafficking and commanding a paramilitary group that perpetrated mass killings against civilians. Tamer Turkmani, a human rights advocate, has affirmed that al-Fares’ war crimes are well documented, exacerbating fears regarding accountability in Syria.

Following Colvin’s assassination, her family pursued legal action against the Assad regime, resulting in a court ruling that the government was liable for her death. In 2016, they filed a lawsuit asserting that high-ranking officials orchestrated her killing. Despite the recognition of her murder as a deliberate act, al-Fares remains unpunished, casting doubt on the ongoing demand for justice.

Al-Fares’ return to Syria underscores the persisting issue of impunity for war crimes amid a brutal civil conflict that has claimed countless lives. Activists continue their calls for accountability, pointing out that true reconciliation is unattainable while figures like al-Fares evade justice. The situation remains turbulent, with public outrage demanding that the government act decisively.

In conclusion, the return of Khaled al-Fares to Syria intensifies calls for justice regarding the assassination of journalist Marie Colvin and broader accountability for war crimes committed during the conflict. Activists and human rights groups are pressing the new government to hold those responsible accountable, while the silence from authorities suggests a troubling trend of impunity. Ultimately, the fate of justice remains uncertain amidst ongoing protests and demands for accountability.

Original Source: themedialine.org