DAMASCUS: Trials of former forensic officials are examining allegations that military hospitals helped conceal detainees’ identities and falsify causes of death under Syria’s deposed regime, a senior transitional justice official said Wednesday.
Radif Mustafa, director of the Accountability Department at the National Commission for Transitional Justice, said the proceedings could expose the involvement of medical personnel in abuses against detainees and efforts to conceal them.
Mustafa said Damascus’ Fourth Criminal Court for Transitional Justice held 10 hearings on Tuesday, continuing existing trials and opening new cases involving alleged serious violations committed under the ousted regime.
Former forensic chief stands trial on war crimes charges
Among the cases was the trial of former Brig. Gen. Akram Al-Shaar, who headed the forensic medicine division at Tishreen Military Hospital.
Al-Shaar faces charges of complicity in repeated acts of torture resulting in death, offenses classified as war crimes and crimes against humanity, Mustafa said.
The indictment was read in his presence, and prosecutors submitted a six-page charge sheet identifying prosecution witnesses.
Al-Shaar denied the charges and retracted his initial statements. The court ordered witnesses to appear and adjourned the hearing until Nov. 18.
Mustafa said the case was significant because of Al-Shaar’s alleged role in leading three-member forensic committees responsible for examining the bodies of deceased detainees.
