Major Leaks Reveal Critical Information on Syrian War Crimes Suspects

One year after the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Belgium is currently conducting at least 19 criminal investigations into suspected Syrian war criminals residing in the country. The Belgian Federal Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the information to Belga News Agency on Thursday, 4 December.

According to a TRT World report published on Friday, 5 December, the revelations stem from the international investigative project “The Damascus Dossier.” The project is led by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), in partnership with three Belgian media outlets — De Tijd, Le Soir, and Knack.

Investigators have analyzed more than 134,000 leaked documents from Syria’s intelligence apparatus, which detail widespread and systematic torture under Assad’s rule. Interviews and documents also suggest that individuals accused of human rights violations — or supporters of the Assad government — may currently be living in Belgium.

The Federal Prosecutor’s Office stated that 27 cases have been opened so far related to violations of international human rights law committed during the Syrian conflict. Eight of these cases have been resolved, while 19 remain under investigation. Some probes involve fighters affiliated with Daesh (IS). Four additional cases are currently under examining judges.

After nearly 25 years in power, Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia in December 2024, marking the end of Ba’ath Party rule in Syria. In January 2025, Ahmed al-Shara assumed office as the country’s new president.