Rifaat al-Assad, uncle of the ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, has reportedly fled to Dubai, evading charges of war crimes related to the 1982 Hama uprising. Following the regime’s collapse on December 8, several Assad family members have been noted to travel from Beirut to Dubai. Despite facing allegations in Switzerland, the precise intentions of Rifaat regarding his stay remain unclear.
Rifaat al-Assad, the uncle of ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, has fled to Dubai via Lebanon as reported by Lebanese officials. Known as the “Butcher of Hama” for his brutal suppression of a rebellion in the 1980s, he faces war crimes allegations by Swiss prosecutors. His departure follows the toppling of his nephew’s regime on December 8, and several members of the Assad family reportedly traveled to Dubai, although Lebanese authorities have yet to receive any Interpol requests for their arrest.
Rifaat al-Assad, now in his late 80s, was instrumental in the violent crackdown during the 1982 Hama uprising, which resulted in the deaths of over 10,000 individuals. The Syrian Network for Human Rights estimates that total civilian casualties during the uprising ranged from 30,000 to 40,000. Swiss judicial authorities have referred him for trial on war crimes charges, although recent reports suggest the case may be paused due to his ill health.
Rifaat al-Assad previously aided his brother Hafez al-Assad in consolidating power in 1970 and served as vice president before being exiled following an unsuccessful power challenge. He has lived in various European countries and was convicted in 2020 of laundering money in Spain. Recently, Lebanese officials indicated that family members had faced scrutiny while attempting to travel due to issues with expired passports.
Lebanese authorities are currently pursuing inquiries regarding other Syrian officials who have entered Lebanon illegally. In light of the recent events, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati stated that the country would cooperate with any Interpol request to apprehend former Syrian intelligence officer Jamil Hassan, associated with war crimes committed under the Assad regime.
The recent flight of Rifaat al-Assad from Lebanon to Dubai underscores ongoing legal and political ramifications following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. As a key figure in the 1982 violent suppression of rebellion in Hama, he has faced war crimes allegations for decades, reflecting historical patterns of brutality under the Assad regime. This event adds complexity to the shifting political landscape in Syria and draws attention to issues of accountability for past atrocities.
The flight of Rifaat al-Assad to Dubai highlights the ongoing repercussions of the Assad family’s tumultuous history, particularly regarding war crimes associated with the suppression of uprisings in Syria. As international legal mechanisms pursue accountability, Lebanon’s role in facilitating or obstructing such efforts remains crucial. The recent developments signal potential challenges ahead for post-Assad Syria as the legacy of the regime’s violence continues to shape the narrative.
Original Source: www.france24.com
