Today, Explained A Syrian war criminal is actually going to prison
Jan 25, 2022
Adithya Sambamurthy, a documentary filmmaker, provides an insider's view on the groundbreaking conviction of Syrian colonel Anwar Raslan in Germany. They discuss the rare success in prosecuting war crimes, shedding light on the brutal torture practices in Syrian prisons. Witness testimonies reveal the harrowing experiences of victims, while Sambamurthy highlights the significance of universal jurisdiction in seeking justice. The conversation also touches on the emotional toll for families impacted by the regime and the broader implications for accountability in war crimes.
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Raslan's Unusual Background
- Anwar Raslan, a Sunni Muslim, oversaw torture at a Damascus detention facility.
- His background wasn't typical for someone in Assad's inner circle.
Raslan's Rise in Syrian Intelligence
- Raslan excelled in the police force, becoming a top graduate selected for intelligence work.
- He was in charge of interrogations at Branch 251 (Al-Khatib prison) starting in 2008.
Torture in Syrian Prisons
- Torture was routine even before the Arab Spring, but its purpose shifted from information extraction to revenge.
- Overcrowded prisons, lack of basic necessities, and brutal physical and sexual torture were rampant.