Syria trials probe military hospitals’ role in detainee deaths

DAMASCUS: Trials of former forensic officials are examining allegations that military hospitals helped conceal detainees’ identities and falsify causes of death under Syria’s deposed regime, a senior transitional justice official said Wednesday.

Radif Mustafa, director of the Accountability Department at the National Commission for Transitional Justice, said the proceedings could expose the involvement of medical personnel in abuses against detainees and efforts to conceal them.

Mustafa said Damascus’ Fourth Criminal Court for Transitional Justice held 10 hearings on Tuesday, continuing existing trials and opening new cases involving alleged serious violations committed under the ousted regime.

Former forensic chief stands trial on war crimes charges

Among the cases was the trial of former Brig. Gen. Akram Al-Shaar, who headed the forensic medicine division at Tishreen Military Hospital.