Khaberni - The Syrian authorities commenced the interrogation of Waseem Al-Assad, cousin of the former president Bashar Al-Assad, following the initiation of a criminal lawsuit against him by the public prosecutor.
The Attorney General stated in a video posted by the Ministry of Justice on its Facebook page: "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As part of efforts to prosecute perpetrators of violations against the Syrian people and based on implementing transitional justice, the Ministry of the Interior has submitted several of these accused to the Public Prosecutor's office, the latest of whom is Waseem Al-Assad, son of Badi'."
He added: "Upon examining his file, it was revealed that he had formed several auxiliary groups for the fourth division within the former regime’s army, fully funded by it in terms of weapons, ammunition, and money. These groups committed murders and other crimes against the Syrian people. It was also apparent that he was involved in drug trafficking through his extensive relationships with major drug traders in Syria."
He continued: "Moreover, he exploited his name as a member of the Al-Assad family by intervening in state departments to assist some Syrians in exchange for material benefits. Therefore, we have referred him to the competent court after initiating a public lawsuit against him for premeditated murder, incitement, collusion, and involvement in murder and offenses aimed at inciting civil war, sectarian conflict, and promoting sectarian, racial tensions, and instigating conflict between sects."
He concluded saying: "In this context, we call on all those harmed by the accused Waseem Al-Assad and their families to present any evidence or documents they have to be included in the investigation file. The Public Prosecutor's office affirms its commitment to achieving justice and will exert all efforts to pursue those involved in violations against the Syrian people, to ensure the rights of the victims and their families."
