Press Release
Syria / Abu Nabut Case
New Arrest Warrant Issued Against Bashar al-Assad for War Crimes 

Paris – January 21, 2025. An investigative judge, at the request of the prosecutor for the French War Crimes Unit, has issued a new arrest warrant against deposed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for complicity in war crimes, as well as for his command responsibility. The judge ruled that, as a former head of state, Assad can no longer claim personal immunity and that functional immunity cannot be applied in cases involving international crimes, including war crimes.

This latest warrant is the culmination of a judicial investigation that began in 2017 following a complaint filed by Mr. Omar Abu Nabut, the son of Salah Abu Nabut, who was killed in an attack by Syrian government forces using barrel bombs in the city of Daraa on June 7, 2017. The Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM) joined the case as a civil party, contributing to building the case file and providing evidence and supporting testimonies.

This warrant is the second of its kind issued against Bashar al-Assad in France for complicity in war crimes (deliberately targeting civilians and killing persons protected under international humanitarian law). The first warrant was issued in October 2023 in relation to chemical attacks in Eastern Ghouta in August 2013.

Omar Abu Nabut stated:
“This case represents the culmination of a long journey toward justice that I and my family have believed in from the very beginning. We are particularly pleased that the prosecutor and the investigative judge responded to our demands and those of Syrian victims. We hope for a trial, with the perpetrators ultimately being arrested and prosecuted wherever they may be. Our case is part of the path to transitional justice in Syria and a step toward preventing war criminals from escaping accountability. Holding Bashar al-Assad accountable in court brings great hope to all Syrian victims.”

The investigation confirmed that this attack was part of a systematic strategy targeting schools, hospitals, and civilian infrastructure, resulting in the deaths of over 2,000 civilians during air and ground strikes on Daraa between June 3 and June 17, 2017. 

The Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression played a pivotal role in supporting judicial investigations by providing the court with evidence and testimonies, including photos and videos documenting the attack. Analytical studies identified the type of aircraft used (a Russian-made Mi-series helicopter), the launch site, and the weapons employed in the attack (barrel bombs). The Center also provided detailed information on the Syrian Armed Forces’ command structure, including the Syrian Air Force’s chain of command and the mechanisms for issuing and executing combat orders.

Lawyer Mazen Darwish, founder and director of SCM, stated:
“The Russian government must hand over Bashar al-Assad to justice. It is unacceptable to grant protection to an individual wanted for justice and accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. The ongoing impunity in Syria remains an obstacle to achieving stability and risks fueling cycles of revenge. Decisive steps are needed to close this chapter and pave the way for a national transitional justice process that ensures sustainable peace and a fairer future for all Syrians.”

The new arrest warrant comes after a series of judicial actions taken by the French judiciary against Syrian officials. Between 2023 and 2024, six senior Syrian officers were subject to international arrest warrants in connection with this case. In total, the French judiciary has issued 14 arrest warrants against senior Syrian regime officials, including Bashar al-Assad, Maher al-Assad, two former defense ministers, and life sentences have been issued against Ali Mamlouk, Jamil Hassan, and Abdulsalam Mahmoud for torture, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings amounting to crimes against humanity.Lawyer Clémence Bectart, representative of the civil parties in the case, stated:
“ This arrest warrant is a new critical step in the fight against impunity of the Syrian former regime. There are now 14 arrest warrants targeting top military and political Syrian officials, including Bashar al-Assad himself, issued by the French judiciary. These steps must now benefit to the Syrians who are best placed to design the transitional justice process that they have been hoping for for so many years.