Rifaat al-Assad Flees to Dubai Amid War Crimes Charges

Rifaat al-Assad, uncle of ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, has fled to Dubai amid war crimes charges in Switzerland for the 1982 Hama massacre. Despite his family’s movement to the UAE, Lebanese authorities have not acted on any Interpol requests for arrest. The situation highlights the enduring ramifications of past atrocities within the Assad family’s history and Syria’s political landscape.

Lebanese officials have reported that Rifaat al-Assad, an uncle of the former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, has fled to the United Arab Emirates via Lebanon. Known as the “Butcher of Hama” for his role in the 1982 crackdown on a rebellion, Rifaat is facing war crimes charges in Switzerland. He departed Beirut for Dubai alongside several members of the Assad family, but Lebanese authorities have not received Interpol requests for arrest in his case.

At the age of 80, Rifaat al-Assad, brother to the late president Hafez al-Assad, led forces responsible for the suppression of a Muslim Brotherhood uprising in Hama that executed over 10,000 people. The Syrian Network for Human Rights has suggested that the death toll may be between 30,000 and 40,000. Although he has denied responsibility for the atrocities, Swiss authorities have referred him to trial based on claims of war crimes and human rights violations.

This month, Swiss judicial authorities indicated that they might postpone the trial due to Rifaat’s reportedly declining health. The 1982 Hama massacre has been cited as a precursor to Bashar al-Assad’s own brutal tactics against dissenters during the Syrian civil uprising that began in 2011, leading to his recent ousting.

Rifaat assisted Hafez al-Assad in taking power in the 1970 coup and initially held the vice presidency; however, he later challenged his brother and went into exile. His residency has spanned several countries including Switzerland, Spain, and France, where he faced legal issues over illicit property acquisitions. He returned to Syria in 2021 and has faced scrutiny from various authorities.

Reports also emerged that his son Duraid’s wife and daughter were detained at Beirut airport for attempting to travel with altered expired passports. Notably, Lebanese officials stated that other high-ranking Syrian officials had entered Lebanon illegally and are under pursuit, while Prime Minister Najib Mikati promised cooperation with any Interpol requests related to war crimes.

Rifaat al-Assad is a significant figure in Syrian history, notorious for his involvement in the violent suppression of opposition forces. The 1982 Hama massacre remains a pivotal event that shaped the landscape of Syrian politics and the regime’s response to dissent. This background provides crucial context for understanding the ramifications of his recent flight and the ongoing legal challenges he faces internationally.

Rifaat al-Assad’s recent escape to the UAE underscores the ongoing tensions and legal issues surrounding his past actions during the Hama uprising. His alleged war crimes continue to haunt his family’s legacy, even as the current political upheaval in Syria unfolds. The international community, particularly Swiss prosecutors, remains vigilant in pursuing accountability for crimes against humanity.

Original Source: www.france24.com