Rifaat al-Assad, uncle of ousted Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, has fled to Dubai amidst war crime charges from Switzerland. Known for his brutal suppression of the 1982 Hama uprising, Rifaat’s escape highlights the ongoing influence of the Assad family even after the recent regime change. Lebanese officials confirm the family’s migration but clarify that no Interpol requests for arrest have been made.
Recent reports indicate that Rifaat al-Assad, the uncle of now-ousted Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, has escaped to Dubai from Lebanon, according to statements from Lebanese officials. Rifaat, infamous as the “Butcher of Hama” due to his role in the brutal suppression of a rebellion in the 1980s, faces war crime allegations from Swiss authorities. He successfully traveled to Dubai along with several family members after Bashar al-Assad’s recent fall from power on December 8.
Lebanese security officials confirmed that while many members of the Assad family moved to Dubai, others chose to remain in Lebanon. Notably, Lebanese authorities have not yet received any Interpol requests for the arrest of Rifaat or other family members. The situation remains uncertain regarding whether Rifaat and his relatives will stay in Dubai or move elsewhere. The UAE’s foreign ministry did not provide immediate comments on the matter.
Rifaat al-Assad, aged in his late 80s, is the brother of the former president Hafez al-Assad. He led the violent crackdown during the 1982 uprising in Hama, a military action resulting in the deaths of over 10,000 people; some sources suggest civilian casualties could be as high as 40,000. Responsible for many atrocities during the uprising, Rifaat has been charged in Switzerland with war crimes and crimes against humanity but has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Swiss authorities have indicated that due to Rifaat’s deteriorating health, there is a possibility that his trial may be abandoned. The 1982 massacre set a precedent for subsequent brutal government responses to dissent, especially during the ongoing civil unrest that began in 2011, which ultimately led to Bashar al-Assad’s recent ouster. Additionally, Rifaat has previously resided in various countries, including Switzerland, Spain, and France, where he faced legal actions for misappropriating state funds to acquire properties.
In a noteworthy incident, Lebanese security apprehended the wife of Rifaat’s son, Duraid, along with their daughter, for attempting to board a flight from Beirut using falsified and expired travel documents. Furthermore, Lebanese Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi recently announced the departure of Bouthaina Shaaban, a prominent adviser to the Assad regime, who exited Lebanon legally. Meanwhile, Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati affirmed Lebanon’s commitment to collaborate with international authorities in apprehending former Syrian intelligence officer Jamil Hassan, who is also accused of war crimes under the Assad regime.
The context of this article centers around the complex and tumultuous political landscape of Syria, particularly following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. Rifaat al-Assad’s notorious past as the ‘Butcher of Hama’ highlights the use of extreme violence by the regime to suppress opposition, setting a grim precedent for future actions taken against dissent. The circumstances surrounding Rifaat’s recent escape to Dubai are indicative of the ongoing instability and the continuing influence of the Assad family, despite the change in political power.
In summary, Rifaat al-Assad’s recent flight to Dubai reflects the ongoing machinations of the Assad family in the wake of Bashar al-Assad’s removal from power. The allegations of war crimes against Rifaat underscore the historical legacy of violence that has characterized the Assad regime for decades. Moreover, the uncertain fate of the Assad family members and their potential legal repercussions raises critical questions about accountability and justice in Syria.
Original Source: www.france24.com
