Former Syrian Intelligence Officer Faces War Crimes Charges in British Court

A 58-year-old former Syrian Air Force Intelligence colonel appeared in a London court via video link Tuesday, facing charges of crimes against humanity and torture. Salem Michel Al-Salem is accused of ordering troops to fire on pro-democracy protesters in Damascus in 2011, resulting in multiple deaths.

A former Syrian military intelligence colonel made his court appearance through video conference Tuesday in London, where he faces serious charges of crimes against humanity and torture connected to his role in crushing peaceful protests in Damascus over a decade ago.

Salem Michel Al-Salem, 58, participated in the Westminster Magistrates’ Court hearing from his residence, appearing with medical breathing equipment due to his battle with motor neurone disease, a progressive neurological condition.

The defendant faces three murder charges classified as crimes against humanity for deaths that occurred in April and July 2011, described by prosecutors as “part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population with knowledge of the attack.”

Additional charges include three counts of torture for incidents spanning 2011 and 2012, plus one count of conduct related to murder as a crime against humanity. Al-Salem remained silent throughout the proceedings and entered no plea.

Defense attorney Sean Caulfield informed the court that his client was too ill to verbally confirm his identity during the hearing.

These seven criminal charges represent a historic case under British legislation that permits prosecution of severe international crimes committed on foreign soil. According to the Crown Prosecution Service, this marks the first instance of murder charges being filed as crimes against humanity under this law.

British courts previously convicted Afghan warlord Faryadi Zardad of torture in 2005 for acts committed in Afghanistan.

Prosecutors describe Al-Salem as a colonel who served in Syria’s Air Force Intelligence division, specifically overseeing the Information Branch in Jobar, a district located east of Damascus city center. He has applied for permanent residency status in Britain.

According to the prosecution, Al-Salem commanded a unit responsible for suppressing demonstrations that typically took place during Friday afternoon prayer services. Authorities allege he instructed his subordinates to shoot at demonstrators, causing fatalities.

The charges also include allegations that Al-Salem participated in or witnessed the torture of detained men at the Information Branch facility.

Police initially arrested Al-Salem in central England during December 2021. His legal team attempted to keep his identity sealed, citing safety concerns, but Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring denied this request while agreeing to keep his home address confidential.

The case will continue Friday at London’s Old Bailey courthouse.