New Legal Proceedings Launched Against Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Following French Court Ruling

New Legal Proceedings Launched Against Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Following French Court Ruling
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French prosecutors have initiated new legal action against former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, following a ruling by France’s highest court that lifted his presidential immunity, RFI reported. The Court of Cassation annulled a 2023 arrest warrant targeting Assad over a deadly 2013 chemical attack, citing personal immunity for heads of state, even in cases involving war crimes or crimes against humanity. However, since Assad was ousted in December 2024 by Islamist-led fighters, the court confirmed that fresh arrest warrants can now be issued.

The investigation concerns sarin gas attacks on Adra and Douma near Damascus in August 2013, which killed over 1,000 people according to US intelligence. Assad faces accusations of complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity for his alleged command role in the attacks. French prosecutors have requested the issuance and international dissemination of a new arrest warrant.

Human rights advocates criticized the court’s initial ruling as a setback in the fight against impunity but welcomed the court’s support for indictments under universal jurisdiction, including charges against former Syrian central bank governor Adib Mayaleh for funding the Assad regime.

Assad and his family reportedly fled to Russia after his removal from power, ending their five-decade rule amid Syria’s devastating civil war that has caused massive casualties and displacement.