FOUR SIBLINGS SUSPECTED OF WAR CRIMES The investigation against Abdullah K. is still ongoing. Mustafa K., Abdullah K., Sultan K. and Ahmed K. Ahmed K., Sultan K. and Mustafa K. are on trial; Abdullah K. is still under investigation. Context Facts Ongoing proceedings in Germany against four Syrian brothers for serious crimes under international law allegedly committed in Syria since November 2012 In November 2012, the four accused allegedly joined Jabhat al-Nusra in Syria and fought against Syrian government troops in the city of Ras al-Ayn in northern Syria. Mustafa K., Sultan K., and other Jabhat alNusra members reportedly captured an official of the regime of Bashar al-Assad and forced his family to leave the city while plundering their possessions. The governmental official was found dead later. Current status Suspects Four Syrian brothers, former members of Jabhat-al Nusra Country of residence of suspects Germany Charges War crimes, membership terrorist group in a Developments in 2018 On 25 January 2018 Mustafa K., Sultan K. and Ahmed K. were indicted for committing war crimes by allegedly forcing civilians to leave the city of Ras al-Ayn and plundering their possessions. They were also charged with membership in a terrorist organization. The trial before the Higher District Court of Celle started on 20 April 2018. On 13 December 2018 war crimes charges were dropped against Mustafa K. and Sultan K., while terrorism charges were upheld. Ahmed K. was acquitted of all charges. In addition, alongside other Jabhat al-Nusra members, Ahmed K. is accused of threatening and thereby forcing the Kurdish population to leave the city. Furthermore, Sultan K. and Abdullah K. allegedly took part in the hostilities against the Kurdish People’s Protection Units. Procedure On 12 June 2017, the four brothers named Mustafa K., Abdullah K., Sultan K., and Ahmed K. were arrested in northern Germany. Ahmed K., Sultan K., and Mustafa K. have been indicted on 25 January 2018, while Abdullah K. was not formally charged yet. Proceedings before the Higher District Court of Celle started on 20 April 2018 and were scheduled to be held until 21 December 2018. 45