Damascus court begins war crimes trials for two men

The Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus has commenced public trials for Samer Ali Haidar and Ali Nour Shamseddin on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The proceedings involve allegations of systematic violations against civilians in the Damascus countryside and Aleppo.

Samer Ali Haidar faces accusations of joining armed militias, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, and participation in organized criminal gangs. Prosecutors have submitted witness lists and documentation to support these claims. Haidar has denied the charges and retracted previous statements made to the investigating judge.

Ali Nour Shamseddin is accused of involvement in killings and enforced disappearances in Aleppo. Prosecutors allege he is affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Evidence presented includes documents and photographic proof of the desecration of bodies marked with sectarian symbols. Shamseddin has also denied the allegations and retracted his prior statements.

The court has adjourned the proceedings until October 13 to allow for the summoning of witnesses in Haidar’s case and for defense submissions in Shamseddin’s case.