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A Dutch court has sentenced Syrian interrogator Rafik A. to 26 years in prison for crimes against humanity, including torture and rape of detainees under the al-Assad regime. The landmark case marks the first in the Netherlands to prosecute sexual violence as a crime against humanity.
Former Syrian Brigadier General Khaled al-Halabi pleaded not guilty in an Austrian court on April 14 to charges of torture, sexual coercion, and grievous bodily harm linked to the abuse of detainees in Raqqa between 2011 and 2013. The trial of al-Halabi and co-defendant Police Lieutenant Colonel Musab Abu Rukba is expected to run until June 30, with alleged victims testifying from Syria and Europe.
Greece has begun reviewing thousands of asylum approvals granted to Syrian and Afghan nationals, as the migration minister declares Athens does not share common values with 'hardline Islam.' The policy, which includes potential revocations and deportations, has sparked fear among refugees who have built lives in Greece over the past decade.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack will leave the post after his formal term ends but will maintain a central diplomatic role coordinating US policy on Syria and Iraq. Barrack, a billionaire and Trump ally, retains influence over key files including sanctions, counter-IS operations, and regional relations.
An Al Jazeera investigation reveals that the Israeli military directly controls approximately 1,000 km² across the Gaza Strip, southern Lebanon, and southern Syria since October 7, 2023, exceeding official ceasefire map boundaries. In Gaza, the 'Golden Line' covers about 53% of the Strip, but ground markers show expansion beyond this line. In southern Lebanon, about 570 km² is under control, with satellite imagery showing destruction outside declared zones. In southern Syria, despite no official map, military positions form a 235 km² control zone, with over 800 documented incursions.
A plane carrying Australian women and children linked to the Islamic State (IS) group landed in Melbourne on Tuesday, defying government warnings of potential criminal charges. The group had been living in Syrian detention camps after IS's fall, and their return has reignited debate in Australia over handling former terrorist affiliates.
Many returning Syrians lack access to adequate health care after 14 years of war. The international community must take urgent action to restore the health system.
Turkish and Syrian intelligence agencies have detained 10 suspects linked to the Islamic State (ISIL/ISIS) in a coordinated operation in Syria. The individuals are accused of involvement in terrorist attacks in Turkey, including the 2015 Ankara bombings that killed over 100 people. Interpol has issued Red Notices for all 10 suspects.
At least one person has been killed and 21 others wounded in a car bomb explosion in Syria’s Damascus. The attack comes amid ongoing conflict in the region, with no group immediately claiming responsibility.
