UK Prosecutors Charge Syrian Air Force Intelligence Officer With Torture, Murder

On March 10, England’s chief magistrate rejected an application by lawyers for the identity of suspect Salem al-Salem, 58, to be kept secret.

A British flag flies outside Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Nov. 4, 2025. Hannah McKay/Reuters

A former officer in Syria’s air force intelligence ‌appeared in court in London on March 10, charged with multiple murders, crimes against humanity, and torture relating to demonstrations against the Assad regime in 2011 and 2012.

Salem Michel Al-Salem—who lives in Britain—appeared on a videolink from his home for the hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London.