Lebanese authorities arrested Rasha Khazem and her daughter Shams, relatives of deposed Syrian President Bashar Assad, as they attempted to flee to Egypt with forged passports. This incident follows the recent flight of Duraid Assad’s father, Rifaat Assad, who is facing war crimes charges in Switzerland related to past atrocities. The arrests highlight the ongoing ramifications of the Assad regime’s collapse.
On Friday, Lebanese authorities apprehended the wife and daughter of Duraid Assad, a cousin of deposed Syrian President Bashar Assad, as they attempted to board a flight to Egypt using allegedly forged passports at Beirut International Airport. Rasha Khazem, along with her daughter Shams, was reportedly smuggled into Lebanon. Just a day prior, Duraid’s father, Rifaat Assad, had left the country without incident using his legitimate passport. Judicial officials revealed that Rifaat Assad is currently facing war crimes charges in Switzerland for past atrocities committed in Hama. The ongoing unrest has resulted in numerous Syrian nationals seeking refuge in Lebanon, while several affiliated individuals have been arrested amidst these developments.
The political landscape in Syria has been tumultuous since the onset of the civil war, leading to the downfall of Bashar Assad’s regime. This unrest has prompted an influx of Syrians into Lebanon, highlighting the ongoing crisis. The tensions were exacerbated by the actions of prominent figures like Rifaat Assad, who has a notorious history of violence against civilians. His recent indictment brings attention to the historical implications of authority within the Assad family and the associated crimes during their rule. The situation surrounding the attempted exit of Duraid Assad’s family may reflect broader themes of desperation and fear among those connected to the regime.
The arrest of Rasha Khazem and Shams Assad underscores the precarious reality for relatives of the Assad regime in the wake of political upheaval. As Lebanon continues to deal with an influx of individuals associated with the former Assad administration, the request for the arrest of Jamil al-Hassan signifies a potential shift in accountability for past actions. The legal proceedings against prominent figures such as Rifaat Assad signal an international commitment to addressing war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
