On Saturday, the Syrian Ministry of Justice released the preliminary testimony of a witness in the case against the accused Waseem Al-Assad. This is part of a series of testimonies the ministry plans to release, following the specialized court's approval.
According to the details provided, a witness in Waseem Al-Assad's trial claimed that in 2018, the accused coerced him into a partnership in a customs clearance office in the Al-Arida area by threatening to terminate his work. The witness stated that he lent a total of approximately $200,000 over several years before facing ongoing pressure and threats.
In 2021, the witness reported being detained and pressured to pay $250,000 for what was called a “settlement” to secure his release. Days after leaving prison, he alleged that Waseem Al-Assad took him to his home and demanded $10,000. When he refused, Al-Assad allegedly shot him in the leg, necessitating surgery.
The witness also claimed Al-Assad threatened him against revealing the incident, with his associates positioned in front of the hospital to prevent him from filing a complaint. There was also a decision issued that barred him from entering customs centers, hindering his work.
His testimony was presented during the second session of Waseem Al-Assad’s trial at the Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus, related to accusations of violations during the previous Syrian regime.