A court in Austria has convicted a former Syrian intelligence chief who served in Raqqa of torture and other serious human rights violations committed during the conflict in Syria.
The court found that the former official was responsible for overseeing the torture and mistreatment of detainees while serving in Syria's intelligence services. Prosecutors presented evidence, including witness testimony from survivors, detailing abuses allegedly carried out under his command.
The case was brought under the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows national courts to prosecute individuals accused of serious international crimes such as torture and crimes against humanity, regardless of where the offences took place.
Human rights organizations welcomed the verdict, describing it as an important step toward accountability for victims of abuses committed during the Syrian conflict. They said the ruling demonstrates that alleged perpetrators of grave human rights violations can still face justice, even outside their home country.
The conviction is one of several cases in Europe targeting former Syrian officials accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity, reflecting ongoing international efforts to hold those responsible for atrocities accountable.