Rasha Khazem and her daughter were arrested at Beirut airport for attempting to leave Lebanon using forged passports. They are relatives of former Syrian Vice President Rifaat Assad, who fled the day before. This incident reflects the ongoing legal scrutiny faced by members of the Assad regime amid broader instability in the region.

On Friday, authorities at Beirut airport apprehended Rasha Khazem and her daughter, Shams, as they attempted to depart for Egypt using allegedly forged passports. Khazem is the wife of Duraid Assad, the son of former Vice President Rifaat Assad, a key figure in Syria’s past regime. Reports indicate that Rifaat Assad had flown out of Lebanon the previous day without incident, while his family was caught attempting to flee under dubious circumstances. They are currently detained by Lebanese General Security as investigations continue.

The arrest of Rasha Khazem and Shams underscores the ongoing fallout from the Assad regime’s collapse and the legal challenges faced by members of the regime. Rifaat Assad has been indicted in Switzerland for war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to historical atrocities in Hama, where thousands perished under his command. The atmosphere in Lebanon remains tense as officials address illegal border crossings by Syrians fleeing conflict and pursue existing international warrants for those affiliated with the Assad regime.

In conclusion, the apprehension of Rasha Khazem and her daughter at Beirut airport highlights the continued scrutiny of individuals associated with the Assad family amid a backdrop of war crimes allegations. With increasing numbers of former regime loyalists attempting to escape Syria, Lebanon’s security apparatus remains vigilant. The involvement of Interpol reflects the international community’s resolve to hold these individuals accountable for past atrocities.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com