Lebanon has handed over a former senior officer in Syria's ousted regime army to Damascus to face serious criminal charges, according to a statement from the Syrian Interior Ministry. Major General Adel Issa was taken into custody in Lebanon following an extradition request from Syrian authorities, which was facilitated by a warrant issued by the Lebanese public prosecutor.
The Syrian Interior Ministry confirmed that Issa was also the subject of an arrest warrant issued in absentia by a Syrian investigative judge. He faces a range of severe accusations, including premeditated murder and the intentional killing of more than two individuals. Furthermore, he is accused of facilitating a felony, committing torture that resulted in death, and engaging in acts designed to incite civil war and sectarian strife.
Before his arrest, Issa served as a high-ranking commander under the ousted regime, leading the Syrian army's 17th Division. He also held the position of ground forces commander in the eastern province of Deir ez-Zor until 2016. The Syrian government is currently pursuing legal action against several former regime figures as part of a national transitional justice process aimed at addressing abuses committed against the Syrian people.
Issa’s case has now been transferred to a referral judge in Damascus. This judicial official will determine whether the charges are sufficient to warrant a formal trial before the Damascus Criminal Court.
