France Cancels Arrest Warrant for Bashar al-Assad

The French Court of Appeal revoked the arrest warrant issued⁢ nearly two years ​ago‌ against former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, ruling that he⁢ was protected ‌by immunity as a head of state at that time, according to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing ‍Mehr News⁢ Agency and Al Jazeera.

In its statement, the‌ Court noted​ that international customary law does not allow any exceptions to the personal immunity granted to a foreign⁢ head of ​state during their tenure-even ‍in cases involving allegations of genocide, war⁤ crimes, and crimes against humanity.

The court added that the⁣ arrest warrant issued against‍ Assad while​ he ​was serving as Syria’s president is⁢ thus⁢ null and void.

However, the statement clarified that an arrest warrant could now be⁣ issued against the ousted Syrian president ⁣on charges related to war⁣ crimes and crimes against humanity since ‌he ⁤no longer holds office.

Previously,France’s judiciary had issued an‌ arrest warrant for Assad​ under questionable pretexts. ⁢Yet following his fall from power,‍ French courts have⁢ remained silent regarding alleged crimes committed‌ against civilians ⁤in Syria’s​ coastal cities and in Suwayda.