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Subject to U.S. Sanctions.. War Crimes Suspect Seeks to Participate in National Dialogue
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Attempts to rehabilitate former war criminals reveal the danger of leniency in holding accountable those involved in crimes against Syrian civilians
Sources in Damascus monitored the addition of a new war crimes suspect to the list of criminals seeking to settle their status with the new authorities, in a controversial attempt to return to the political scene.
Activists in the Syrian capital reported to Aks Al-Sair website that Fadi Saqr, the former commander of the National Defense militias in rural Damascus who is accused of involvement in the Al-Tadamon massacre, has begun settling his status similar to what Talal Makhlouf, former Republican Guard commander, and Mohammad Hamsho, a close associate of the deposed Assad family, had done.
The sources indicate that Saqr previously managed the Consumer Institution branch in Al-Zablatani, then the Institution in Damascus, benefiting from his relationship with Major General Bassam Al-Hassan nicknamed "Al-Khal" (The Uncle), founder of the National Defense Forces and one of the prominent security officials close to the former regime.
Facts indicate that Saqr later assumed the position of Director of the National Defense Center in Damascus, supervising its leadership in all Syrian governorates, while participating in numerous battles in Ghouta, Jobar, and other areas.
Local circles circulate accounts of crimes committed by Saqr, including his order to arrest a citizen from Idlib and throw him from a bridge near Al-Zablatani checkpoint, though it should be noted that this account could not be verified from independent sources.
Sources revealed Saqr's involvement in smuggling contraband and weapons, until he became one of the most notorious and wealthy mafiosi and warlords in the region, with his influence expanding to participate in selecting candidates for party branch leadership and People's Assembly positions.
Damascus sources reported that Saqr has recently been promoting claims about meeting with the military operations commander and collecting names of candidates to participate in an upcoming national dialogue, claiming he will represent the Alawite sect in it.
Saqr, who hails from rural Jableh, currently resides in the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus and has been subject to U.S. sanctions since 2020 for his involvement in crimes against the Syrian people.
Levant-Agencies
