THE HAGUE, Netherlands — A Syrian asylum seeker facing charges of crimes against humanity rejected multiple allegations of torture and sexual violence as his trial commenced Wednesday at a Dutch court.
The 58-year-old defendant, known only as Rafiq al Q. under Dutch privacy laws, declared his innocence and dismissed claims that he supported former Syrian President Bashar Assad. Government prosecutors told The Hague District Court that the man served with the pro-Assad National Defence Force, functioning as the group’s primary interrogator throughout Syria’s ongoing conflict.
The accused man challenged the credibility of nine victims, witnesses, and Dutch law enforcement officials in his case. Speaking through a translator, he stated: “All of them are conspiring against me.”
When questioned by the court, he maintained that his employment was as a government worker in Salamiyah, a central Syrian city, and rejected any connection to torture activities.
In an unusual courtroom moment, the defendant tried to present evidence by displaying a document to the judge. His defense attorney, André Seebregts, acknowledged uncertainty about the nature of this evidence, prompting his client to respond: “I don’t tell my lawyer everything.”
This prosecution operates under universal jurisdiction principles, enabling countries to pursue legal action against individuals for international crimes like war crimes, regardless of where those offenses occurred.
The man requested asylum status in the Netherlands during 2021 and was residing in Druten, a small eastern Dutch community, before his 2023 arrest.
Dutch courts have handled multiple Syrian war crimes cases related to the nation’s conflict. A 2024 conviction involved a former senior militia member found guilty of unlawful imprisonment and torture involvement. Additionally, another Syrian received a 2021 war crimes conviction for participating in a prisoner’s summary execution.
Syria’s upheaval began with non-violent demonstrations opposing Assad’s administration in March 2011, eventually escalating into an extended civil war spanning nearly 14 years following the government’s harsh response to demonstrators.
Last year, rebel forces under current interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham organization advanced to Damascus and overthrew Assad’s government. Al-Sharaa, previously affiliated with al-Qaida’s Syrian operations, has since strengthened ties with Western nations and made history as the first Syrian leader to visit Washington since the country’s 1946 independence.
The Netherlands and Canada have jointly filed a separate action against Syria at the United Nations’ highest court, alleging Damascus conducted an extended torture campaign against its citizens. The International Court of Justice directed the Syrian government in 2023 to “take all measures within its powers” to halt torture practices.
Court proceedings will extend for two additional weeks, with a final ruling scheduled for June 9th.
