The Syrian Interior Ministry has expressed its intention to open the door to European investigators, particularly Swedish authorities, to gather evidence and access the former regime's secret security archives.
This shift follows an investigative report broadcast by Swedish Radio, which revealed that at least 15 members of militias and military personnel affiliated with the former regime are currently living in Sweden without facing legal prosecution.
Unprecedented Judicial Cooperation
In an interview with Swedish Radio, the spokesperson for the Syrian Interior Ministry, Noureddine al-Baba, confirmed that the military and security archives are now in a secure location, emphasizing the new authorities' readiness to facilitate the European judiciary's mission.
Al-Baba explained that Syria is prepared to provide all necessary documents and testimonies, and to ensure access to crime scenes to prosecute those involved. He also revealed plans to issue a list of 1,000 wanted officers from the former regime.
Sweden: We Will Not Be a Safe Haven for Criminals
This announcement was welcomed in Swedish judicial circles, which have faced obstacles for years in gathering evidence from within Syria.
In this regard, Rena Devgun, the Swedish prosecutor specializing in war crimes, emphasized the principle of "universal jurisdiction," stating that Sweden will not allow itself to become a safe haven for human rights abusers.
Devgun added that taking action against these perpetrators is a moral and legal imperative to protect Syrian victims and refugees in Sweden from having to confront their former tormentors in their new communities.
Zaman Al Wasl
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