Rifaat al-Assad, uncle of ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, fled to Dubai amid war crime allegations. Known as the “Butcher of Hama,” he was charged by Swiss authorities for events linked to the 1982 uprising. His departure and the movement of other Assad family members signal significant shifts in the political landscape following Bashar’s removal.
Rifaat al-Assad, the uncle of the recently deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, has reportedly fled to Dubai via Lebanon, as confirmed by Lebanese officials. Famously dubbed the “Butcher of Hama” for orchestrating a brutal crackdown on a rebellion in the 1980s, Rifaat faces war crime allegations from Swiss prosecutors for his actions during the 1982 Hama uprising, which resulted in the death of over 10,000 individuals. Currently in his late 80s, Rifaat al-Assad was in Geneva facing potential trial for his alleged war crimes but his health has led authorities to consider postponing the proceedings.
The Lebanese officials indicated that many members of the Assad family traveled to Dubai from Beirut following Bashar al-Assad’s removal on December 8. Notably, there have been no Interpol requests issued for the arrest of Rifaat or any other Assad family members in Lebanon, leaving uncertain their plans in the UAE. Historically, Rifaat al-Assad was instrumental in facilitating Hafez al-Assad’s 1970 coup and served in high-ranking positions until his exile.
In addition, there have been recent reports of the arrest of Rifaat’s family members at the Beirut airport while attempting to leave with tampered documents. Moreover, the Lebanese Interior Minister highlighted the exit of senior Assad advisor Bouthaina Shaaban and mentioned other Syrian officials’ illegal entries into Lebanon. Only time will reveal the political ramifications of these events in a turbulent region.
The events surrounding Rifaat al-Assad’s departure to the UAE are steeped in significant political history. Rifaat, a prominent figure during the brutal suppression of the 1982 Hama uprising, remains a controversial character, denoted as the “Butcher of Hama” for the lives lost during his command. Following the recent political upheaval in Syria, the fate of the Assad family continues to draw scrutiny, particularly in light of ongoing war crime accusations made against them in various jurisdictions. As allegations persist regarding their involvement in systemic violence and repression, many observers remain alert to the implications of their actions in the context of Middle Eastern geopolitics.
The flight of Rifaat al-Assad to Dubai underscores the ongoing unresolved issues surrounding the Assad family amid allegations of war crimes. As Lebanon navigates the volatile political landscape, the lack of arrest requests from Interpol adds another layer of complexity to an already intricate scenario. The implications of these developments on regional politics and the Assad family’s fate remain to be seen, especially when considering their historical context and ongoing legal scrutiny.
Original Source: www.france24.com
