Former Syrian General Acquitted of War Crimes Charges by Stockholm Court
A former Syrian brigadier general, Mohammed Hamo, living in Sweden, was acquitted of war crimes charges by a Stockholm court. The court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove his involvement in aiding and abetting war crimes during the civil war in Syria.
Although the prosecution argued that Hamo helped coordinate the supply of arms for indiscriminate attacks in Syria, the court did not find concrete evidence connecting him to these crimes. The war between President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and opposition groups, including Islamic State, has led to the deaths of more than half a million people and massive displacement.
This trial marked the first case concerning Syrian military warfare in a European court. Despite Hamo’s release, the court acknowledged that several of the attacks constituted war crimes. While victims may be disappointed by the verdict, the confirmation of war crimes by an independent court holds significance.
While Hamo is the highest-ranking Syrian military official to face trial in person in Europe, other prominent figures like Rifaat al-Assad and Bashar al-Assad have also faced charges for war crimes. However, the outcome of these trials remains uncertain due to factors like trials in absentia and lack of cooperation.