Lebanese security officials arrested Rasha Khazem and her daughter at Beirut Airport while attempting to leave the country with forged passports. This arrest follows the recent departure of her husband’s father, Rifaat Assad, who faces war crime charges. There have been ongoing arrests of former Syrian military personnel in Lebanon amid concerns over the fallout from the Syrian conflict.
On Friday, Lebanese officials reported the arrest of Rasha Khazem, the spouse of Duraid Assad, and their daughter, Shams, at Beirut Airport. They were attempting to depart for Egypt using allegedly forged passports. This incident follows the departure of Duraid Assad’s father, Rifaat Assad, who left for an undisclosed location just a day prior without being detained. The officials indicated that Khazem and Shams had been illegally smuggled into Lebanon prior to their arrest. Currently, they are in the custody of Lebanese General Security.
Rifaat Assad, once Syria’s Vice President, is currently facing war crimes charges in Switzerland, where he has been indicted for atrocities committed decades ago during the Hama massacre. His actions led to thousands of deaths, earning him the grim moniker, “the Butcher of Hama.” Furthermore, numerous individuals associated with the former Syrian military have been arrested in Lebanon, including members of the notorious 4th Division and Syrian military intelligence marked by their ties to Bashar Assad. There have also been efforts to apprehend Jamil al-Hassan, a former Syrian intelligence director, with Lebanon indicating its intention to collaborate on this matter through Interpol.
The backdrop of this event is the ongoing implications of the Syrian conflict and the internal dynamics of the Assad family. Following the ousting of Bashar Assad from power, there have been heightened security measures in Lebanon, particularly concerning individuals associated with the former regime. The arrests reflect Lebanon’s complex relationship with Syria, impacted by a mass influx of Syrians fleeing the regime’s collapse. Additionally, the international community’s scrutiny of war crimes linked to the Assad family is becoming increasingly pronounced, particularly with regards to past actions during the Syrian civil turmoil.
In conclusion, the arrest of Rasha Khazem and Shams at Beirut Airport underscores the precarious situation surrounding those affiliated with the Assad regime amidst an evolving conflict. The ongoing legal challenges faced by Rifaat Assad, combined with Lebanon’s efforts to manage the fallout from Syria’s unrest, highlight the intricate political and humanitarian landscape in the region. This incident is part of a broader context in which former regime members are seeking asylum or fleeing amid international calls for accountability regarding past human rights violations.
Original Source: apnews.com
