Syrian ex-colonel accused of crimes against humanity deemed 'unfit to plead'
A former Syrian intelligence colonel, Salem Michel Al-Salem, has been declared unfit to stand trial for crimes against humanity due to advanced motor neurone disease. The court has ordered not guilty pleas to be entered to allow for a trial of facts to proceed next year.
Why it matters
The case represents a significant attempt to prosecute international war crimes, though the defendant's health status creates a complex legal hurdle for the judicial process.
Image source, Julia Quenzler Image caption, A sketch of Al-Salem wearing an oxygen mask, and accompanied by a translator, at an earlier hearing in March via video link
The article reports on legal proceedings and medical findings in a neutral, objective manner.
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