Rifaat al-Assad Flees to Dubai Amid War Crimes Charges

Rifaat al-Assad, known as the ‘Butcher of Hama,’ has fled to Dubai after being implicated in war crimes during the 1982 Hama uprising. Following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, numerous family members also traveled to Dubai. Swiss authorities have charged Rifaat with war crimes, yet plans for his trial may be delayed due to health concerns.

Rifaat al-Assad, the uncle of the deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, has reportedly fled to Dubai via Lebanon, according to Lebanese officials. Known as the “Butcher of Hama” for his role in the brutal suppression of the 1982 Muslim Brotherhood uprising in Hama, Rifaat has faced accusations of war crimes by Swiss prosecutors. Following his departure from Beirut, numerous members of the Assad family also traveled to Dubai; however, Lebanon has not received Interpol requests for their arrest, including Rifaat’s. It remains unclear if he or other family members plan to remain in Dubai or continue elsewhere.

In his late 80s, Rifaat al-Assad was a key figure during the era of his brother, the late Hafez al-Assad. He commanded elite forces that carried out massacres during the Hama uprising, resulting in thousands of civilian deaths. Switzerland’s Attorney General has initiated proceedings against him for war crimes and crimes against humanity, yet he has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Recently, there have been discussions about possibly postponing the trial due to his deteriorating health. Notably, the violent tactics employed during the Hama suppression have been viewed as a precedent for Bashar al-Assad’s actions against Syrian opposition since 2011.

Historically, Rifaat helped facilitate Hafez al-Assad’s ascent to power in a coup in 1970 and previously held the position of vice president. Following a failed bid for power against his brother, he lived in exile across various European nations. A French court recently convicted him of illicitly acquiring wealth via state funds. During his time in Lebanon, it was reported that his son’s wife and child faced legal troubles for attempting to travel with expired and altered passports, underscoring ongoing issues within the Assad family. The political atmosphere remains volatile, with Lebanese authorities stating they will cooperate with Interpol requests related to war crimes committed by former Syrian officials, including intelligence officer Jamil Hassan.

The Assad regime in Syria has been marked by decades of authoritarian rule, initially under Hafez al-Assad and later under his son Bashar al-Assad. The events of 1982 in Hama are notorious for the extensive violence used to suppress dissent against the government, leaving a devastating legacy. The current international scrutiny faced by members of the Assad family, particularly Rifaat al-Assad, highlights ongoing concerns about human rights violations during their rule. Various international bodies, including Swiss authorities, continue to pursue justice for crimes committed during these oppressive regimes, thereby fostering a complex geopolitical discourse surrounding Syria and its former leaders.

Rifaat al-Assad’s recent flight to Dubai exemplifies the ongoing ramifications of the Assad family’s legacy in Syria, underlined by allegations of war crimes and the historical context of the Hama massacre. As international authorities pursue accountability for these past atrocities, the political landscape continues to evolve, showcasing the enduring impact of this family’s actions on Syrian society. The Lebanese government’s cooperation with Interpol indicates a potential shift towards greater accountability for those involved in the Syrian conflict.

Original Source: www.france24.com