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Belgium investigates alleged Syrian war criminals linked to Assad-era abuses

08:00

By: Sahili Aya

Belgium investigates alleged Syrian war criminals linked to Assad-era abuses

Belgian authorities are pursuing 19 active criminal investigations into suspected Syrian war criminals living in the country, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime last year, the Federal Prosecutor’s Office confirmed Thursday, according to Belga News Agency.

The figures were released as part of the Damascus Dossier, an international investigative project led by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) with contributions from Belgian media outlets De Tijd, Le Soir, and Knack. The investigation reviewed more than 134,000 leaked intelligence documents from Syria, detailing widespread and systematic torture under the Assad government.

The leaked files also suggest a possible Belgian connection, with inquiries indicating that individuals who supported the regime or participated in war crimes may now be residing within Belgian communities.

So far, Belgium has launched 27 cases related to violations of international humanitarian law, including alleged war crimes committed in Syria. Eight of these have already been closed, Federal Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Yasmina Vanoverschelde said.
“There are still 19 criminal investigations ongoing. Some concern Islamic State fighters involved in crimes during the Assad era,” she added.

According to the report, four cases are currently before an investigating judge.

The Assad regime, in power since 1963, collapsed when Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia in December 2024. A transitional administration under President Ahmed al-Sharaa was formed the following month.

However, experts caution that Belgium may face obstacles in bringing suspects to trial. Brigitte Herremans, a Syria specialist at Ghent University, warned that structural shortages could hamper progress.
“The Prosecutor’s Office has received reinforcements, but the lack of specialized police investigators has long hindered war crimes inquiries,” she said.