ABDUCTION, BLACKMAIL AND TORTURE RESULT IN LIFE SENTENCE Ibrahim Al F. Context Completed proceedings in Germany regarding war crimes committed in Syria in 2012 Suspect Syrian national, alleged former member of Ghurabaa al-Sham, a part of the Free Syrian Army Country of residence of suspect Germany Charges War crimes, torture and abduction for the purpose of blackmail Developments in 2018 civil war since summer 2012. Ibrahim Al F. and over 150 fighters under his command allegedly controlled a district in northern Aleppo and frequently looted the surrounding areas. According to the charges, the accused participated in abduction of two civilians who resisted the looting, and their subsequent onemonth detention. Together with his subordinates, Ibrahim Al F. is accused of having personally tortured the detained residents, who were released after the ransom was paid. Under his command, his subordinates allegedly abducted at least six other civilians and subjected them to severe torture, which led to death of at least one person. Procedure On 6 April 2016, German authorities arrested Ibrahim Al F. in the Westphalia region. He was formally charged with war crimes and abduction for the purpose of blackmail, at the Higher Regional Court of Dusseldorf on 27 October 2016. His trial started on 22 May 2017. On 24 September 2018, the accused was found guilty by the Higher Regional Court of Dusseldorf and sentenced to life imprisonment. Read more about the case On 24 September 2018, the accused was found guilty by the Higher Regional Court of Dusseldorf and sentenced to life imprisonment. Current status Sentenced to life imprisonment Facts Ibrahim Al F. was accused of having been the head of the militia Ghurabaa al-Sham, which has been fighting the Syrian government forces as part of the Free Syrian Army in the Syrian 47