LONDON: The first extradition from Lebanon to Damascus of a former member of the Assad regime’s military leadership marks an important step in Syria’s long and difficult journey toward transitional justice.
“It is a good sign,” said Anwar Al-Bunni, a Syrian human rights lawyer, former political prisoner and president of the Syrian Center for Legal Studies and Research.
“But there are thousands of other criminals who ran away to Lebanon and are under the protection of Hezbollah in Beqaa, and now the authorities in Lebanon must deliver them to Syria.”
Adel Issa, 67, a former major-general in the Syrian army who commanded regime forces in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor until 2016, was detained by Lebanese authorities on Aug. 8, reportedly after visiting the Syrian Embassy in Beirut.
He remained in Lebanese custody until Aug. 19, when he was transferred to Syria.
