German prosecutors have arrested a Syrian national in Berlin on Tuesday, initiating proceedings against him on charges of crimes against humanity. Anwar S., the suspect, is accused of having led a Syrian militia and participating in acts of violence against government opponents.
The arrest was carried out by officers of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), supported by the Berlin Police Department. According to the Federal Court of Justice, the alleged offenses occurred between the end of April and November 2011 in Aleppo.
Prosecutors allege that Anwar S., as the leader of a Shabiha militia, was involved in at least eight incidents where demonstrators were subjected to abuse using weapons including batons, metal pipes and electric shock devices. One incident, occurring near a mosque in the Saif Al Dawla district, resulted in the severe injury of a demonstrator who later succumbed to his wounds.
The General Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the suspect will be presented to the investigating judge of the Federal Court of Justice on Wednesday. He will formally be informed of the arrest warrant, which was issued on September 15th. Anwar S. faces charges involving participation in acts of murder, torture and unlawful imprisonment, all categorized as crimes against humanity.