Lebanese authorities arrested Rasha Khazem, the wife of Duraid Assad, and their daughter at Beirut airport while attempting to flee to Egypt using forged passports. This incident follows recent legal actions against various relatives of Bashar Assad, including Rifaat Assad, who faces war crimes charges. The context of these arrests reflects the migration of many Syrians into Lebanon amid regional instability.
Pioneering Lebanese judicial and security officials have reported the arrest of the wife and daughter of Duraid Assad, a cousin of deposed Syrian President Bashar Assad, on a recent Friday at Beirut’s airport. Rasha Khazem and her daughter Shams were attempting to depart for Egypt using allegedly forged passports, having been smuggled into Lebanon. Their arrest comes shortly after Duraid Assad’s uncle, Rifaat, fled Lebanon the previous day without incident.
Rifaat Assad is a controversial figure, historically associated with human rights abuses in Syria, notably linked to the Hama massacre. In March of this year, Swiss federal prosecutors indicted him on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. On the eve of the Assad family’s recent upheaval in Syria, reports indicated that a notable influx of Syrians, including former military personnel affiliated with Bashar Assad’s regime, crossed into Lebanon illegally. Furthermore, Lebanese authorities are responding to international requests for the apprehension of former Syrian intelligence chief Jamil al-Hassan.
The current geopolitical situation in Lebanon and Syria has intensified following the recent fall of the Assad regime’s control in significant regions. Many relatives of the Assad family and individuals connected to the regime are attempting to escape Lebanon amid escalating judicial actions. The arrest of Rasha Khazem and Shams signifies the extent of law enforcement’s operations to apprehend individuals associated with the former regime, further compounded by international legal pursuits, particularly those initiated by Switzerland against figures like Rifaat Assad for past atrocities.
The apprehension of Duraid Assad’s family members at Beirut’s airport highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the Assad family and their affiliates amid significant legal challenges. With Switzerland pursuing war crimes charges against Rifaat Assad and continued efforts by Lebanese authorities to detain other figures connected to the Assad regime, the situation underscores the fragility of the region’s stability and the potential for further international legal repercussions.
Original Source: apnews.com
