Former Syrian colonel ruled unfit for trial over 2011 protests killings

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, July 4, 2026

A London court ruled that former Syrian military colonel Salem al-Salem is unfit to stand trial due to advanced motor neurone disease, halting proceedings against him for alleged war crimes during the 2011 Damascus protests. This decision underscores the challenges of prosecuting aging or ill accused war criminals and highlights ongoing efforts by British authorities to seek accountability for abuses in the Syrian conflict.

A former Syrian military colonel accused of involvement in the killing of protesters in Damascus during the 2011 uprisings has been deemed unfit to stand trial, a court in London ruled on Thursday. Salem al-Salem, 58, who currently resides in Bedfordshire, England, suffers from advanced motor neurone disease, which has impaired his physical and cognitive abilities, according to medical assessments presented at the Old Bailey.

Al-Salem was arrested in late 2021 following an investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Police’s war crimes unit. The inquiry focused on alleged war crimes committed during the early stages of Syria’s civil conflict, specifically targeting government forces’ use of lethal force against demonstrators demanding political reforms.

Prosecutors had intended to bring charges against al-Salem related to his alleged role in ordering or facilitating the deaths of civilians amid the 2011 protests in Damascus, which marked a pivotal moment in the country’s descent into prolonged violence. However, the recent medical evaluations established that his condition had deteriorated to the extent that he would not be able to participate meaningfully in legal proceedings.

The decision reflects the challenges faced by judicial systems in prosecuting alleged war criminals with serious medical conditions. It also highlights the broader difficulties in securing accountability for crimes committed during the Syrian conflict, which has drawn international scrutiny and resulted in multiple investigations by courts and human rights organizations worldwide.

There was no immediate comment from al-Salem or his legal representatives regarding the ruling. Investigators and victims’ advocates have emphasized the importance of pursuing justice despite such obstacles, while recognizing the complexities presented when defendants are physically or mentally incapacitated.

The Metropolitan Police’s war crimes team continues to investigate other individuals connected to alleged abuses during Syria’s uprising, maintaining a commitment to holding perpetrators accountable under British and international law. Al-Salem’s case marks one of the few instances where a former member of Syria’s military establishment was formally charged abroad in connection with the 2011 crackdown on protesters.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.