Urgent request for Jamil al-Hassan’s handover

France and Syria have reportedly submitted formal requests to Lebanon for the arrest and extradition of former Syrian Air Intelligence Director, Jamil al-Hassan, amid suspicions that he is hiding in Beirut.

Al-Hassan, a central figure in the Assad regime’s security apparatus, has become a focal point for international judicial and diplomatic pressure following the collapse of the Syrian government.

A symbol of repression

Jamil al-Hassan rose through the military ranks under the late Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and participated in the 1982 Hama crackdown against the Muslim Brotherhood uprising.

He later assumed leadership of Syria’s Air Intelligence in 2009, overseeing sensitive security operations, including aspects of the chemical weapons program.

During the 2011 uprisings, al-Hassan played a decisive role in orchestrating a nationwide campaign of suppression, employing sniper fire, aerial bombardment, and mass arrests. Survivors and human rights organizations describe him as one of the chief architects of systematic torture, forced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings.

Survivors recount harrowing experiences under al-Hassan’s supervision. Testimonies include prolonged detention, electrocution, acid burns, and psychological torture. Organizations such as the “Caesar Initiative” and the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) document thousands of deaths and over 160,000 enforced disappearances attributed to the Air Intelligence Directorate. Victims describe al-Hassan as “psychopathic,” highlighting his central role in designing and executing campaigns of mass repression.

From here, al-Hassan faces legal action in multiple countries. France convicted him in absentia for crimes against humanity, while Germany issued an arrest warrant in 2018. The United States, as well, accuses him of kidnapping and torturing American citizens, and the FBI continues to seek his apprehension.

Therefore, these international measures reflect the widespread consensus regarding his responsibility for atrocities during Syria’s civil war.

Lebanon’s position and uncertainty

Despite requests from France and Syria, Lebanese authorities claim they lack verified information regarding al-Hassan’s current location.

A senior Lebanese judicial official confirmed that no official notification has been received confirming his entry or residence in Lebanon. Meanwhile, reports suggest that former Assad officials may be attempting to rebuild networks of influence from within Lebanese territory, raising further regional security concerns.

Hence, Jamil al-Hassan remains one of the most wanted figures globally for war crimes and crimes against humanity. With France and Syria pursuing legal action, his alleged presence in Lebanon has intensified diplomatic and judicial pressures on Beirut. The uncertainty surrounding his whereabouts underscores the challenges of enforcing international justice in a region still grappling with the aftermath of prolonged conflict. Resolving his case is not only pivotal for accountability but also symbolic of broader efforts to confront impunity for atrocities in Syria as well as build healthy relations.