Tomorrow 30 November 2023, the trial hearing in an international crimes case against an alleged member of Liwa Al Quds will take place at the District Court of The Hague. The case is considered a landmark case, marking the first time that Syrian regime crimes will be on trial before a Dutch court. The Court has also scheduled a second hearing on 4th December 2023. This case is especially significant because it could set a precedent for possible future cases against Assad's allies in the Netherlands, should the court decide that Liwa al Quds is a criminal organisation.
The defendant is accused of having committed war crimes and crimes against humanity, and complicity in torture in Syria in the years 2012-2013 and membership of the criminal organisation Liwa Al Quds in the years 2011-2017. Prakken d'Oliveira's Barbara van Straaten represents the victim in this case. The first three counts of the indictment relate to war crimes and complicity in torture committed against this victim. On Thursday 30 November 2023, Barbara van Straaten will give the Victim Impact Statement on behalf of the victim.
Date: Thursday, 30 November 2023 & Monday, 4th December 2023 (Second day of hearing)
Time: 09:00 CET
Address: Prins Clauslaan 60, The Hague 2595 AJ
The Netherlands Public Prosecution Service is facilitating open access to the hearing; it will be accessible to the public in-person and via a livestream, and Arabic translations will be provided to facilitate participation of the Syrian community. The trial heating is open to the public. Prior registration is required in order to access the livestream. If interested, please reach out to the nuhanovic Foundation