Germany makes history: First Syrian Assad officer convicted of crimes against humanity

Former intelligence officer Eyaad al-Ghapi, 44, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for helping him commit crimes against humanity, writes CNN, translates Periscopi.

Gharib was convicted of helping transport 30 imprisoned protesters, despite knowing they would be subjected to systematic torture at the prison they were being sent to, according to prosecutors. Protesters had been beaten on their way to prison.

This officer was arrested in Berlin along with his superior, Anwar Rasian in February 2019, under the principle of universal jurisdiction, which gives the national court jurisdiction over serious crimes against international law, even if they were not carried out on the territory of that country.

Rasian, a very senior Syrian intelligence officer, is still on trial. He is accused of overseeing the torture of at least 40,000 prisoners during the Syrian uprising. At least 58 prisoners had died. Even rape and sexual assault are believed to have occurred on at least one occasion.

Bashar al-Assad's regime has been repeatedly charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity during the nearly 10-year period since the start of war. /Periscope