Families of Syrian victims of forced disappearance have filed a criminal complaint in Argentina against former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, his wife Asma al-Assad, and several high-ranking officials of his regime. The complaint, submitted to the Argentine Federal Justice system, alleges crimes against humanity, specifically focusing on the widespread practice of forced disappearance during Assad’s rule.
The Syrian Legal Development Programme (SLDP) announced the filing, emphasizing that the complaint was brought on behalf of families whose loved ones disappeared in Syria and survivors of detention. The legal action seeks an investigation into the responsibility of Assad and his associates for these heinous acts.
A key aspect of the complaint centers on the abduction and concealment of children, including their arbitrary detention, separation from families, and long-term concealment of their identities, fates, and whereabouts. This issue, often overlooked in previous legal pursuits, is now taking center stage.
The SLDP confirmed that the lawsuit was filed in collaboration with the Association of Detainees and Missing Persons of Sednaya Prison and the Truth and Justice Charter Association, with legal support from Durrieu Abogados, an Argentine firm specializing in international criminal law and economic criminal law.
The case leverages the principle of universal jurisdiction, enshrined in Article 118 of the Argentine Constitution, which grants its courts the authority to investigate war crimes and genocide committed anywhere in the world. Argentina has previously opened investigations into similar cases involving leaders from Myanmar, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.
This legal action represents a significant step in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the Syrian conflict. The families hope that this case will bring accountability for the crimes committed and provide some measure of closure for their immense suffering.
Several attempts have been made in recent years to prosecute Assad. The International Criminal Court’s Office of the Prosecutor accepted a complaint in 2017 regarding crimes allegedly committed by Assad, his brother Maher, commander of the Fourth Division of the army, and 126 security figures. French courts have also been actively pursuing Assad, with investigating judges issuing international arrest warrants against the former Syrian president on charges of using chemical weapons.
