The Trial of Alaa M.
In January 2022, the Higher Regional Court in Frankfurt a. M. began the trial of a Syrian doctor, Alaa M., for crimes against humanity. This is the first criminal trial worldwide on the role of medical professionals in fostering state torture in Syria. The trial is an important step to hold perpetrators from all sides of the conflict accountable.
Since the beginning of the trial proceedings on January 19, 2022, SJAC has monitored the trial via local, trained court monitors and published regular trial reports, available in both English and Arabic. As with previous domestic trials of Syrian government officials, the lack of official court translations distorts the historical landscape of the conflict, limits the scope of testimony available, and hinders future opportunities for reflection on human rights violations and justice processes. Consequently, SJAC’s comprehensive trial monitoring establishes a historical record of the trial and ensures the availability of documentation for victims and families.
SJAC has compiled the following list of witnesses in the trial and corresponding trial reports to assist in understanding the ongoing legal proceedings and assisting those interested in following the trial.
THE TRIAL OF ALAA M.
Day 1: January 19, 2022
Alaa M. - The Accused
Alaa M. was questioned about many topics, including the charges against him.
Day 2-3: January 25 & 27, 2022
Alaa M. - The Accused
Alaa M. was questioned about many topics, including the charges against him.
Day 4: February 3, 2022
Alaa M. - The Accused
Alaa M. was questioned about many topics, including the charges against him.
Day 5: February 8, 2022
Alaa M. - The Accused
Alaa M. was questioned about many topics, including the charges against him.
Days 6 - 7: February 22 & 24, 2022
Alaa M. - The Accused
Alaa M. was questioned about many topics, including the charges against him.
Day 8: March 24, 2022
Alaa M. - The Accused
Alaa M. was questioned about many topics, including the charges against him.
Day 9: March 29, 2022
Alaa M. - The Accused
Alaa M. was questioned about many topics, including the charges against him.
Days 10 & 11: April 5, 2022
Criminal Inspector - Expert Witness
Criminal Inspector at the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) who has been responsible for conducting structural investigations into crimes arising from the Syrian conflict since 2011. He testified several times on specifics about investigations, arrests, searches, and exhibits in the cases against Alaa M. He also participated in questioning the witnesses who testified in-court.
Linguistic expert / Court Interpreter
The Court interpreter provided his linguistic analysis and translated some of the documents and material that were shown in-court.
Day 12: April 5, 2022
Linguistic expert / Court Interpreter
The Court interpreter provided his linguistic analysis and translated some of the documents and material that were shown in-court.
Linguistic expert / Court Interpreter
The Court interpreter provided his linguistic analysis and translated some of the documents and material that were shown in-court.
Day 13-14: May 3 & 5, 2022
P1 - Plaintiff
A former detainee at many Intelligence Services Branches. He was transferred to Homs Military Hospital where he was subjected to torture and witnessed an incident in which the Accused Alaa M. allegedly administered substance to a detainee which led to his death.
Day 15: May 9, 2022
P1 - Plaintiff
A former detainee at many Intelligence Services Branches. He was transferred to Homs Military Hospital where he was subjected to torture and witnessed an incident in which the Accused Alaa M. allegedly administered substance to a detainee which led to his death.
Day 16-17: May 17 & 19, 2022
P1 - Plaintiff
A former detainee at many Intelligence Services Branches. He was transferred to Homs Military Hospital where he was subjected to torture and witnessed an incident in which the Accused Alaa M. allegedly administered substance to a detainee which led to his death.
Linguistic expert / Court Interpreter
The Court interpreter provided his linguistic analysis and translated some of the documents and material that were shown in-court
Day 18: May 24, 2022
P1 - Plaintiff
A former detainee at many Intelligence Services Branches. He was transferred to Homs Military Hospital where he was subjected to torture and witnessed an incident in which the Accused Alaa M. allegedly administered substance to a detainee which led to his death.
Day 19-20: May 31 & June 2, 2022
P2 - Witness
Employee at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). He conducted the Asylum interview with P1.
Linguistic expert / Court Interpreter
The Court interpreter provided his linguistic analysis and translated some of the documents and material that were shown in-court
Day 21: June 14, 2022
P3 - Witness
An interpreter who worked at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). She was the interpreter during the asylum interview of P1.
Day 22: June 23, 2022
P4 - Plaintiff
A former detainee at many Intelligence Services Branches. He was transferred to Homs Military Hospital where he was subjected to torture and witnessed an incident in which the Accused Alaa M. allegedly administered substance to a detainee which led to his death.
Days 23-25: July 11, 12 & 14 2022
P4 - Plaintiff
A former detainee at many Intelligence Services Branches. He was transferred to Homs Military Hospital where he was subjected to torture and witnessed an incident in which the Accused Alaa M. allegedly administered substance to a detainee which led to his death.
Days 26-27: July 18 & 21, 2022
P4 - Plaintiff
A former detainee at many Intelligence Services Branches. He was transferred to Homs Military Hospital where he was subjected to torture and witnessed an incident in which the Accused Alaa M. allegedly administered substance to a detainee which led to his death.
Day 28: July 26, 2022
P4 - Plaintiff
A former detainee at many Intelligence Services Branches. He was transferred to Homs Military Hospital where he was subjected to torture and witnessed an incident in which the Accused Alaa M. allegedly administered substance to a detainee which led to his death.
Day 29: August 12, 2022
P4 - Plaintiff
A former detainee at many Intelligence Services Branches. He was transferred to Homs Military Hospital where he was subjected to torture and witnessed an incident in which the Accused Alaa M. allegedly administered substance to a detainee which led to his death.
Linguistic expert / Court Interpreter
The Court interpreter provided his linguistic analysis and translated some of the documents and material that were shown in-court
Days 30-32: September 5-7, 2022
P5 - Witness
Criminal Inspector at the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA). Participated in P4’s questioning by the BKA.
P6 - Witness
The interpreter who was present during the questioning of P4 by the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA).
Criminal Inspector - Expert Witness
Criminal Inspector at the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) who has been responsible for conducting structural investigations into crimes arising from the Syrian conflict since 2011. He testified several times on specifics about investigations, arrests, searches, and exhibits in the cases against Alaa M. He also participated in questioning the witnesses who testified in-court.
Days 33 & 34: September 27 & 29, 2022
P7 - Witness
Employee at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). She conducted the Asylum interview with P4.
Linguistic expert / Court Interpreter
The Court interpreter provided his linguistic analysis and translated some of the documents and material that were shown in-court
Days 35-37: October 10, 11 & 13, 2022
P8 - Plaintiff
A former detainee at the Military Security Branch in Homs. He alleged that the Accused Alaa M. administered a pill to his brother who died as a result.
Linguistic expert / Court Interpreter
The Court interpreter provided his linguistic analysis and translated some of the documents and material that were shown in-court
Days 38-39: October 18 & 20, 2022
P8 - Plaintiff
A former detainee at the Military Security Branch in Homs. He alleged that the Accused Alaa M. administered a pill to his brother who died as a result.
Days 40-41: October 31 & November 3, 2022
Linguistic expert / Court Interpreter
The Court interpreter provided his linguistic analysis and translated some of the documents and material that were shown in-court.
P8 - Plaintiff
A former detainee at the Military Security Branch in Homs. He alleged that the Accused Alaa M. administered a pill to his brother who died as a result.
P9 - Witness
The interpreter who was present during P4’s asylum interview.
Days 42-43: November 8 & 10 2022
Alaa M. - The Accused
Alaa M. was questioned about many topics, including the charges against him.
P8 - Plaintiff
A former detainee at the Military Security Branch in Homs. He alleged that the Accused Alaa M. administered a pill to his brother who died as a result.
P10 - Witness
Linguistic expert who translated material from English into German and provided her linguistic expertise in court.
Days 44: November 15, 2022
Criminal Inspector - Expert, Witness
Criminal Inspector at the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) who has been responsible for conducting structural investigations into crimes arising from the Syrian conflict since 2011. He testified several times on specifics about investigations, arrests, searches, and exhibits in the cases against Alaa M. He also participated in questioning the witnesses who testified in-court.
Linguistic Expert - Linguistic Expert, Court Interpreter
The Court interpreter. He provided his linguistic analysis and the translation of some of the documents and material that were shown in-court.
Days 45: November 29, 2022
P11 - Witness
A former detainee at the Military Security Branch in Homs. One of P8’s relatives and was detained with him.
Days 46 & 47: December 13 & 15, 2022
P11 - Witness
A former detainee at the Military Security Branch in Homs. One of P8’s relatives and was detained with him.
Days 48: December 20, 2022
Alaa M. - Accused
The accused in this trial. He was questioned about many topics, including what was related to the charges against him.
Days 49 - 50: January 10 and 12, 2023
P11 - Witness
A former detainee at the Military Security Branch in Homs. One of P8’s relatives and was detained with him.
Days 51 - 52: January 17 & 19, 2022
Linguistic Expert - Linguistic Expert, Court Interpreter
The Court interpreter. He provided his linguistic analysis and the translation of some of the documents and material that were shown in-court.
P11 - Witness
A former detainee at the Military Security Branch in Homs. One of P8’s relatives and was detained with him.
Days 53: January 24, 2022
P12 - Witness
A former colleague of the Accused and worked with him in Homs Military Hospital. He was asked about the Accused’s behavior inside the hospital and the incidents he witnessed or heard about in which the Accused abused patients.
Days 54 - 56: February 20 & 21 & 23, 2023
P10 - Linguistic Expert
Linguistic expert who translated material from English into German and provided her linguistic expertise in court.
P12 - Witness
A former colleague of the Accused and worked with him in Homs Military Hospital. He was asked about the Accused’s behavior inside the hospital and the incidents he witnessed or heard about in which the Accused abused patients.
Days 57 & 58: February 28, and March 2, 2023
P12 - Witness
A former colleague of the Accused and worked with him in Homs Military Hospital. He was asked about the Accused’s behavior inside the hospital and the incidents he witnessed or heard about in which the Accused abused patients.
P13 - Witness
A detective officer who conducted the interrogation with P11 in a European state where he lived.
P14 - Witness
A detective officer who transcribed the interrogation with P11 in a European state where he lived.
Days 59 & 60: March 7 and 9, 2023
Alaa M. - Accused
The accused in this trial. He was questioned about many topics, including what was related to the charges against him.
Criminal Inspector - Expert, Witness
Criminal Inspector at the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) who has been responsible for conducting structural investigations into crimes arising from the Syrian conflict since 2011. He testified several times on specifics about investigations, arrests, searches, and exhibits in the cases against Alaa M. He also participated in questioning the witnesses who testified in-court.
P12 - Witness
A former colleague of the Accused and worked with him in Homs Military Hospital. He was asked about the Accused’s behavior inside the hospital and the incidents he witnessed or heard about in which the Accused abused patients.
Days 61: March 14, 2023
P15 - Witness
A former colleague of the Accused and worked with him in Homs Military Hospital. He was asked about the Accused’s behavior inside the hospital and the incidents he witnessed or heard about in which the Accused abused patients.
Days 62: March 21, 2023
P15 - Witness
A former colleague of the Accused and worked with him in Homs Military Hospital. He was asked about the Accused’s behavior inside the hospital and the incidents he witnessed or heard about in which the Accused abused patients.
Days 63 - 65: March 28, 30 & 31 2023
Alaa M. - Accused
The accused in this trial. He was questioned about many topics, including what was related to the charges against him.
P15 - Witness
A former colleague of the Accused and worked with him in Homs Military Hospital. He was asked about the Accused’s behavior inside the hospital and the incidents he witnessed or heard about in which the Accused abused patients.
Days 66-68: April 24 & 25 & 27, 2023
P10 - Linguistic Expert
Linguistic expert who translated material from English into German and provided her linguistic expertise in court.
P15 - Witness
A former colleague of the Accused and worked with him in Homs Military Hospital. He was asked about the Accused’s behavior inside the hospital and the incidents he witnessed or heard about in which the Accused abused patients.
Days 69 & 70: May 02 & 04, 2023
P15 - Witness
A former colleague of the Accused and worked with him in Homs Military Hospital. He was asked about the Accused’s behavior inside the hospital and the incidents he witnessed or heard about in which the Accused abused patients.
Linguistic Expert - The Accused’s Interpreter
Basically, he is the Accused’s interpreter. However, he provided his linguistic analysis and the translation from French into English to some material that were shown in-court.
Days 71 & 72: May 9 & 11, 2023
P16 - Forensic Expert
A professor and a forensic doctor who provided his evaluation of scars and injuries of some witnesses and the Accused, then to four incidents relevant to the case. He also provided his analysis of the photos in Caesar files.
Day 73: May 16, 2023
P17 - Forensic Expert
A forensic expert who provided the findings of the inspection of scars and marks on the bodies of the two witnesses
Day 74: May 23, 2023
Linguistic Expert - Linguistic Expert, Court Interpreter
The Court interpreter. He provided his linguistic analysis and the translation of some of the documents and material that were shown in-court.
Day 75: June 1, 2023
P18 - Witness
A former colleague of the Accused and worked with him in Homs Military Hospital. He was asked about the Accused’s behavior inside the hospital and the incidents he witnessed or heard about in which the Accused abused patients.
Day 76: June 6, 2023
P18 - Witness
A former colleague of the Accused and worked with him in Homs Military Hospital. He was asked about the Accused’s behavior inside the hospital and the incidents he witnessed or heard about in which the Accused abused patients.
Days 77 & 78: June 13 & 15, 2023
P18 - Witness
A former colleague of the Accused and worked with him in Homs Military Hospital. He was asked about the Accused’s behavior inside the hospital and the incidents he witnessed or heard about in which the Accused abused patients.
Linguistic Expert - Linguistic Expert, Court Interpreter
The Court interpreter. He provided his linguistic analysis and the translation of some of the documents and material that were shown in-court.
Day 79 & 80: June 27 & 29, 2023
Alaa M. - Accused
The accused in this trial. He was questioned about many topics, including what was related to the charges against him.
Criminal Inspector - Expert, Witness
Criminal Inspector at the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) who has been responsible for conducting structural investigations into crimes arising from the Syrian conflict since 2011. He testified several times on specifics about investigations, arrests, searches, and exhibits in the cases against Alaa M. He also participated in questioning the witnesses who testified in-court.
Linguistic Expert - Linguistic Expert, Court Interpreter
The Court interpreter. He provided his linguistic analysis and the translation of some of the documents and material that were shown in-court.
Day 81 & 82: July 11 & 13, 2023
P19 - Witness
A former detainee at the Military Security Branch in Homs. He was arrested along with his cousin. He alleged that doctors, including M., mistreated patients in the Branch. He alleged that he met P8 inside the Branch.
Day 83 & 84: July 18 & 20, 2023
P19 - Witness
A former detainee at the Military Security Branch in Homs. He was arrested along with his cousin. He alleged that doctors, including M., mistreated patients in the Branch. He alleged that he met P8 inside the Branch.
Day 85 & 86: July 25 & 27, 2023
P20 - Witness
Criminal Inspector at the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA). He participated in questioning some of the witnesses who testified in court.
P21 - Witness
An interpreter who interpreted during the P1’s asylum interview in Greece.
P22 - Linguistic Expert
A Linguistic expert in the Greek language. Interpreted the questioning of P22. He provided his linguistic analysis of some Greek documents.
Day 87 & 88: August 1 & 3, 2023
P19 - Witness
A former detainee at the Military Security Branch in Homs. He was arrested along with his cousin. He alleged that doctors, including M., mistreated patients in the Branch. He alleged that he met P8 inside the Branch.
Linguistic expert / Court Interpreter
The Court interpreter provided his linguistic analysis and translated some of the documents and material that were shown in-court.
Day 89: August 8, 2023
P19 - Witness
A former detainee at the Military Security Branch in Homs. He was arrested along with his cousin. He alleged that doctors, including M., mistreated patients in the Branch. He alleged that he met P8 inside the Branch.
Linguistic expert / Court Interpreter
The Court interpreter provided his linguistic analysis and translated some of the documents and material that were shown in-court.
Day 90 & 91: September 5 & 7, 2023
Alaa M. - Accused
The accused in this trial. He was questioned about many topics, including what was related to the charges against him.
P23 - Witness
Anwar Al-Bunni, head of the Syrian Center for Legal Research and Studies (SCLSR). He was summoned to be questioned about the circumstances of an interview his center conducted with P19.
Linguistic expert / Court Interpreter
The Court interpreter provided his linguistic analysis and translated some of the documents and material that were shown in-court.
Day 92 & 93: September 18 & 19, 2023
P24 - Expert
Dr. Steinberg, an expert in the Syrian context. He presented a lecture regarding many topics, including the Intelligence Services and the Military Hospitals in Syria.
Linguistic expert / Court Interpreter
The Court interpreter provided his linguistic analysis and translated some of the documents and material that were shown in-court.
Day 94: October 5, 2023
P25 - Witness
A former colleague of the Accused and worked with him in Homs Military Hospital. He was asked about the Accused’s behavior inside the hospital and the incidents he witnessed or heard about in which the Accused abused patients.
Day 95 & 96: October 10 & 12, 2023
P20 - Witness
Criminal Inspector at the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA). He participated in questioning some of the witnesses who testified in court.
P25 - Witness
A former colleague of the Accused and worked with him in Homs Military Hospital. He was asked about the Accused’s behavior inside the hospital and the incidents he witnessed or heard about in which the Accused abused patients.
Day 97 & 98: October 17 & 19, 2023
Alaa M. - Accused
The accused in this trial. He was questioned about many topics, including what was related to the charges against him.
P10 - Linguistic Expert
Linguistic expert who translated material from English into German and provided her linguistic expertise in court.
Linguistic expert / Court Interpreter
The Court interpreter provided his linguistic analysis and translated some of the documents and material that were shown in-court.
Day 99 & 100: October 31 & November 2, 2023
P26 - Witness
A close friend and a former colleague of the Accused. They worked together in Homs Military Hospital. He was questioned about the relationship between them, about incidents pertaining to the Accused, and about his uncle whose name is on the sanctions list.
Day 101 & 102: November 7 & 9, 2023
Alaa M. - Accused
The accused in this trial. He was questioned about many topics, including what was related to the charges against him.
P26 - Witness
A close friend and a former colleague of the Accused. They worked together in Homs Military Hospital. He was questioned about the relationship between them, about incidents pertaining to the Accused, and about his uncle whose name is on the sanctions list.
P27 - Witness
Osama Al-Agi, one of the Accused’s Defense Counsel. He was questioned about the origin and procurement of documents he submitted to the Court.
Linguistic expert / Court Interpreter
The Court interpreter provided his linguistic analysis and translated some of the documents and material that were shown in-court.