Germany Arrests Syrian Militia Leader Over 2011 Crimes Against Humanity

German authorities arrested a Syrian man, identified as Anwar S., on suspicion of crimes against humanity committed in Aleppo during 2011 amid Syria's civil war. He is accused of leading the 'shabiha' militia, which operated under then-President Bashar al-Assad's regime, responsible for brutal crackdowns on peaceful protesters, including beatings with batons and metal rods, use of electric shocks, and illegal detentions. Prosecutors detail that these attacks occurred on multiple occasions between April and November 2011, resulting in severe torture and at least one protester's death while in custody. Some detainees were handed over to Syrian police and intelligence agencies where further abuse allegedly took place. Germany has been applying universal jurisdiction laws to prosecute former Syrian officials for serious human rights violations regardless of where the crimes were committed. Anwar S.'s arrest reflects ongoing efforts by German prosecutors to hold accountable those involved in atrocities during Syria's prolonged conflict.