Two Syrians accused of torture on trial in Austria

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Vienna: A landmark trial commenced in Vienna on Monday involving two former high-ranking Syrian officers accused of torturing opponents of the deposed regime of Bashar al-Assad.

The defendants, former brigadier general Khaled al-Halabi and former lieutenant colonel Musab Abu Rukbah, face charges of torture, aggravated coercion, sexual coercion, and causing serious bodily harm.

According to prosecutors, the individuals ordered or failed to oppose the systematic mistreatment of 21 detainees in Raqa between April 2011 and March 2013 during a violent crackdown on a civilian protest movement. Both men had successfully applied for asylum in Austria in 2015.

Under international treaties such as the UN Convention Against Torture, Austrian courts assumed jurisdiction over such crimes. The trial is scheduled for 13 hearing days through June 30, with testimonies anticipated from surviving victims living across Europe.

PHOTO CREDITS: AFP