Rifaat al-Assad, uncle of Bashar al-Assad, has fled to Dubai through Lebanon amidst war crime charges in Switzerland. Known for his role in the 1982 Hama crackdown, he faces allegations of war crimes but Lebanese authorities have not received any Interpol requests for his arrest. Recent developments indicate increasing scrutiny on members of the Assad family as political dynamics shift in the region.
Rifaat al-Assad, the uncle of former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, has fled to the United Arab Emirates via Lebanon, according to Lebanese officials. Known as the “Butcher of Hama,” he is infamous for overseeing the brutal repression of a rebellion in 1982, which resulted in thousands of deaths. Swiss prosecutors have charged him with war crimes, adding to his controversial legacy.
In a recent development, two Lebanese security officials confirmed that Rifaat al-Assad traveled from Beirut to Dubai. They also noted that many other family members had made similar journeys while some remained in Lebanon after Bashar al-Assad’s ousting. Despite his war crime allegations, Lebanese authorities have stated that they have not received any Interpol requests for his arrest.
Rifaat al-Assad, now over 80 years old and brother to former President Hafez al-Assad, was instrumental in the violent suppression of a Muslim Brotherhood rebellion in Hama, which is estimated to have resulted in over 10,000 deaths. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported even higher civilian casualties during the Hama assaults, with figures ranging from 30,000 to 40,000.
Swiss authorities have indicated intentions to try Rifaat al-Assad for charges including war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, there have been suggestions of postponing the trial due to his alleged ill health. The tactics employed during the 1982 Hama crackdown are viewed as a precursor to Bashar al-Assad’s own actions during the Syrian uprising that began in 2011.
Rifaat al-Assad was pivotal in the coup that brought Hafez al-Assad to power in 1970 and briefly served as the vice president before entering exile after a failed power struggle. His lifestyle has been scrutinized, particularly following a 2020 court decision in France that found him guilty of illicitly acquiring expensive properties.
In more recent news, authorities in Lebanon detained the wife and daughter of Rifaat’s son for attempting to leave with tampered expired passports. Meanwhile, other former Syrian officials, including advisor Bouthaina Shaaban, have also made their exits from Lebanon amidst ongoing investigations and accusations against them.
The flight of Rifaat al-Assad to Dubai is a significant event amid the political upheaval in Syria following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. His history as the “Butcher of Hama” links him to one of the deadliest political repressions in the region, and his current legal troubles reflect ongoing international efforts to hold him accountable for alleged war crimes. The context of his escape and the potential ramifications for the Assad family further complicate the delicate political situation in the Middle East.
Rifaat al-Assad’s escape to Dubai highlights the ongoing ramifications of the Assad family’s violent history in Syria. The charges against him in Switzerland underscore the international legal challenges faced by former regime figures. As this situation evolves, the continuing pursuit of accountability for war crimes underscores a significant aspect of international relations in the region.
Original Source: www.france24.com
