Swedish court issues on the case of a former Damascus army officer
A Swedish court ruled on the case of a former Damascus army officer. Today, a Swedish court acquitted a former Damascus officer of war crimes in Syria in 2012, considering that there was insufficient evidence of his involvement.
In a statement, a Swedish court today found that it had not been established that the unit he was leading, Mohamed Hama, had committed attacks contrary to international law that there was uncertainty that the former officer had armed units that had committed war crimes. In the spring of this year, Mohammed Hama (65), who lives in Sweden, was convicted of complicity in war crimes between January and July 2012, a charge that carries a life sentence.
Since 2011, Syria has been experiencing a major crisis that has killed more than half a million people, destroyed infrastructure, and depleted the economy. In addition, more than half of the population within and outside the country has been displaced.
According to the indictment, Hama contributed through advice and action to battles by Damascus forces, which systematically involved attacks in violation of the principles of distinction, caution, and proportionality.
Following the experiences of several European countries over the past years, trials within the universal jurisdiction of persons supported by the Damascus forces have taken place. According to jurists at the free site, the final verdict against three security officials is scheduled to be delivered tomorrow, but it will be contentious. The prosecutor, Carolina Vislander, stated before the tribunal at the opening of the trial in April that the war was indiscriminate.
Hama, who was overseeing an arming squad, is accused of assisting in coordination operations and arming combat units. His defense lawyer, Mary Kellman, stated in court that her client denied committing any crimes. Kellman argued that the officer could not be held responsible for his actions because he acted in a military context and had to carry out the orders.
Lastly, several European states have sought to prosecute officers and officials of the Damascus government for war crimes committed during the years of crisis. They have turned a blind eye to the prosecution of mercenaries supported by the Turkish occupying state who committed the most heinous crimes against Syrians.
T/ Satt.
ANHA
