A court in Stockholm is set to deliver its ruling on Thursday against a former Syrian officer accused of committing war crimes in his country in 2012, making him one of the highest-ranking Syrian military officials to be tried in Europe. Mohammad Hammo (65), who lives in Sweden, was found guilty in the spring of "aiding" in war crimes committed between January and July 2012, a charge that carries a potential life sentence.
The court will announce its decision at 11:00 AM local time (09:00 AM GMT). Since 2011, Syria has been embroiled in a bloody conflict that has resulted in the deaths of over half a million people, caused widespread destruction of infrastructure, and devastated the economy. Additionally, it has displaced more than half of the population both within and outside the country.
According to the indictment, Hammo contributed through his "advice and actions" in battles fought by the Syrian army, which systematically included attacks that violated the principles of distinction, precaution, and proportionality. Chief Prosecutor Carolina Visslander stated in court at the opening of the trial in April that "the war was indiscriminate." She added that the battles fought by Assad's loyal forces resulted in destruction "disproportionate to the tangible and immediate military gains that could be expected."
Hammo, who oversaw a unit responsible for armament, is accused of aiding in the coordination and arming of combat units. Hammo's lawyer, Marie Killeman, stated in court that her client denied committing any crimes. Killeman argued that the officer could not be held accountable for his actions "because he acted in a military context and was required to execute orders."
On the other hand, Aida Samani, chief legal advisor at the Organization of Civil Rights Defenders, reported that "compelling evidence" was presented during the trial, adding, "We will see what the court will do with this information and this evidence." She highlighted that "what is remarkable about this case is that it is the first trial related to the war waged by the Syrian army, specifically regarding how the war was conducted," emphasizing that no European court has addressed this matter or its impact on civilians and infrastructure before.
