Syria's Interior Ministry announced on Friday the arrest of a senior intelligence official from the deposed Assad regime, who is accused of involvement in human rights violations against the Syrian people.
Arrest of Former Brigadier General
The ministry confirmed that Qais Hassan al-Abd al-Rajab, a former brigadier general who served as deputy director of the General Intelligence Directorate (State Security), was taken into custody by the Counterterrorism Directorate after extensive efforts to track his movements.
According to a statement posted on the ministry's Telegram channel, al-Abd al-Rajab is implicated in violations committed against residents of the Damascus countryside areas, including Hajar al-Aswad, Daraya, and Moadamiyat al-Sham, as well as several towns and villages in Daraa province.
Ongoing Investigations
The ministry stated that authorities had monitored attempts by al-Abd al-Rajab to evade arrest before he was apprehended. Investigations are currently underway, and legal procedures are being finalized before the case is referred to the judiciary, the statement added.
Interior Minister Anas Khattab previously stated that the Counterterrorism Directorate, in coordination with internal security commands across provinces, continues to pursue individuals accused of crimes and violations to bring them before the courts.
He emphasized that security agencies are conducting surveillance, intelligence-gathering, and enforcement operations as part of efforts to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law.
Broader Accountability Efforts
This arrest is part of broader efforts by Syrian authorities to pursue former officials and others involved in crimes and violations, focusing on accountability, transitional justice, and the protection of victims' rights.
