On the legality of the arrest warrant against Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian Chemical Weapons case (question of personal immunity)
This document shares detailed information about the upcoming hearing before the French Cour de cassation, during which a panel of judges will hear arguments about whether former President of Syria Bashar al-Assad should be legally immune from prosecution for his alleged role in the August 2013 chemical weapons attacks on Adra, Douma, and Ghouta in Syria.
In brief:
- This hearing is an important moment for survivors and families of victims of chemical weapons in Syria, and possibly a milestone in accountability for the crimes committed by former President Bashar al-Assad against the Syrian people.
- The hearing will be held before the Plenary Assembly of the Cour de Cassation (‘Court of Cassation/French Supreme Court’), representing the highest level of judicial review on immunity for international crimes, an issue of critical global importance.
- The hearing can be followed in person and will be available online (after the hearing).