UK law enforcement agencies have launched a preliminary investigation into the wife of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Asma al-Assad. She is suspected of “inciting terrorist acts during the Syrian civil war,” according to The Sunday Times.
“We can confirm that the police war crimes unit … On July 31, 2020 received an appeal related to the ongoing Syrian conflict. The appeal is under consideration by the war crimes unit,” the police said.
As the newspaper notes, the police launched a preliminary investigation after the international bar association Guernica 37 sent “evidence of the power of the first lady in the ruling class and open support for the Syrian armed forces.”
Due to suspicions of war crimes, Assad could face prosecution and loss of British citizenship. Journalists speculate that Interpol’s red bulletin may be issued, preventing her from traveling outside Syria.