Syrian Colonel Charged with Murder, Torture

0:00What's up, I'm Cory, and these are your global headlines. A former Syrian Air Force Intelligence Colonel living in Britain appeared in a London court this week via video link on charges of murder and torture, as crimes against humanity. The 58-year-old man faces three counts of murder tied to deaths during the suppression of pro-democracy protests in Damascus in April and July of 2011. He also faces three torture charges from incidents in 2011 and 2012, plus one count related to murder. Prosecutors say he oversaw a branch in the Jobar area east of central Damascus and led efforts to stop demonstrations, often held after Friday, prayers. They claim he ordered his team to shoot at crowds, causing fatalities, and took part in or oversaw torture at a local facility. This marks the first time Britain's prosecutors have charged someone with murder as a crime against humanity under laws covering international. Offence is committed abroad. The defendant, who has a serious motor neuron disease and wore a breathing mask during the

1:03hearing, did not speak or enter a plea. His lawyer noted he was too ill even to confirm his name. Earlier, a British court convicted an Afghan warlord of torture from acts overseas, setting a precedent for such cases. He was arrested in central England back in December of 2021, after seeking permanent residency here. The court rejected a request to keep his name secret over safety concerns, but protected his address. He is due back in a higher lending court this Friday for the next stage of proceedings. This story is shared with support from our sponsor. It is a pillow that plays your podcast and music without earbuds, built for listening in bed. O.L.I.SOLY pillow.com