Two former members of Syria's secret police have appeared in court in Germany accused of crimes against humanity for their role in a government-run detention center where large numbers of opposition protesters were tortured.
Federal prosecutors allege 57-year-old Anwar R. was in charge of the site and thereby responsible for crimes against humanity, rape and the murder of at least 58 people there. The indictment by German prosecutors accuses him of complicity in more than 4,000 cases of torture.Eyad A., 43, is accused of being part of a police squad that detained protesters and brought them back to Branch 251, where they were then mistreated.
If convicted, Anwar R. could face life imprisonment. Eyad A. could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison if convicted of complicity in crimes against humanity. The trial has been described as a pivotal moment in the effort to bring Syrian officials accused of crimes to justice.
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