Syrian Ex-Colonel Salem Al-Salem Ruled Unfit for 7 UK War-Crimes Charges
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 3
Syrian Ex-Colonel Salem Al-Salem Ruled Unfit for 7 UK War-Crimes Charges
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 3
Summary
London's Old Bailey ruled 58-year-old Salem Michel Al-Salem unfit to plead and unfit to stand trial after four medical experts said advanced motor neurone disease left him paralysed and unable to communicate.
Justice Cheema-Grubb entered not guilty pleas and ordered a trial of the facts in 2027, meaning jurors will decide whether he committed the alleged acts without his participation.
The 7 charges include three counts of murder as crimes against humanity, three of torture and one ancillary murder count tied to alleged shootings and abuse in Damascus between 2011 and 2012.
UK prosecutors say the case is the first use of the International Criminal Court Act 2001 to bring murder-as-crimes-against-humanity charges, and the first UK prosecution linked to Assad's security forces over the Syrian war.
If a war crimes suspect is too ill for punishment, can a UK court's 'trial of the facts' still deliver justice?
As European courts prosecute Syrian officials, is this the new global model for war crimes justice?
UK’s First Crimes Against Humanity Murder Case: Salem Michel Al-Salem Declared Unfit for Trial, 2027 “Trial of the Facts” Set Amid Landmark Syrian War Crimes Charges
Overview
On July 3, 2026, Salem Michel Al-Salem was declared unfit to plead and stand trial due to advanced motor neurone disease, which prevents him from understanding the charges, instructing his legal counsel, or giving evidence. This decision, accepted by Prosecutor Tom Little KC, highlights the importance of UK law in ensuring that a defendant’s mental or physical condition does not compromise their ability to participate in court. Courts are required to consider how illness affects a defendant’s participation, ensuring fairness and due process in the justice system.