Former Syrian Colonel Becomes First to Face Crimes Against Humanity Charges in UK Court
London, 11 March 2026
Salem Al-Salem’s prosecution marks a groundbreaking legal precedent as Britain uses universal jurisdiction laws to pursue international war crimes for the first time under these specific charges.
Historic Legal Proceedings Under Universal Jurisdiction
Salem Michel Al-Salem, a 58-year-old former Syrian Air Force intelligence colonel, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court via video link on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, marking the first time the Crown Prosecution Service has brought charges of murder as a crime against humanity under the International Criminal Court Act 2001 [1][2][3]. Al-Salem faces three counts of murder as a crime against humanity, one count of conduct ancillary to murder as a crime against humanity, and three counts of torture [1]. The charges represent a groundbreaking use of universal jurisdiction laws, which allow British courts to prosecute serious international crimes regardless of where they were committed [GPT]. Al-Salem appeared slumped in an armchair with a breathing tube, having been diagnosed with spinal onset motor neurone disease, and was too unwell to confirm his name during the hearing [1][3].
Allegations from the Damascus Crackdown
The charges relate to alleged events that occurred during the Syrian government’s violent suppression of pro-democracy demonstrations in Damascus in 2011 and 2012 [1][2]. Al-Salem is accused of leading a group responsible for quelling demonstrations in Jobar, a village on the outskirts of Damascus, with prosecutors stating that ‘the demonstrations mostly occurred on Fridays after noon prayers’ [2][3]. Specifically, he faces charges for the murders of Omar Al-Homsi and Nizar Fayoumi-AlKhatib on 22 April 2011, and for the killing of Talhat Dalal in July 2011 [1][2]. Additionally, Al-Salem is accused of engaging in conduct ‘ancillary to murder as a crime against humanity’ regarding Mohammed Salim Zahrak Balik on 22 April 2011 [1]. The torture charges relate to his alleged treatment of Mohammed Al-Hakim, Hani Dahrouj and Ziauddin Mahammed Tayseer Dahrouj between August 2011 and March 2012 [1].
Complex Investigation Spanning Multiple Countries
Al-Salem was first arrested in Buckinghamshire in December 2021 and released on bail pending further inquiries [2][4]. He was formally charged on 8 March 2026, following what Counter Terrorism Policing London described as ‘an incredibly complex and challenging investigation, involving enquiries across many countries’ [1]. Helen Flanagan, London’s Counter Terrorism Policing commander, emphasised that the charges demonstrate the UK’s commitment to its ‘no safe haven’ policy regarding alleged war criminals, stating: ‘Where we are presented with allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity that fall within our jurisdiction, then, as we have shown here, we will not hesitate to investigate those rigorously and robustly’ [2]. The investigation’s complexity reflects the challenges of gathering evidence across international boundaries for events that occurred over a decade ago during Syria’s civil conflict.
Legal Precedent and Future Proceedings
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring rejected defence requests for reporting restrictions to protect Al-Salem’s identity, stating that ‘the mere fact the offence might rise in people strong feelings of hostility and concern is not, and never has been, sufficient for the principle of open justice to be derogated’ [1][3]. Al-Salem was remanded on bail with strict conditions, including a 24-hour curfew and requirements to remain available for police checks and avoid contact with potential witnesses [2][4]. The judge determined he posed no flight risk due to his deteriorating health condition [4]. The case was transferred to the Old Bailey, with the next hearing scheduled for Friday, 14 March 2026 [1][2]. This prosecution occurs against the backdrop of significant political change in Syria, where Bashar al-Assad’s regime was overthrown in December 2024, ending over a decade of civil war that began with the 2011 pro-democracy uprising [2][4].