A German court has sentenced a Syrian doctor to life in prison for committing horrifying crimes against detainees during Syria’s civil war. The man, known as Alaa M., was found guilty of torturing and killing prisoners while working at military hospitals in Syria over a decade ago.
The ruling, delivered by the Frankfurt Higher Regional Court, marks one of Germany’s most significant war crimes trials and sends a powerful message: justice can still reach those responsible, even years after the crimes and far from the country where they were committed.
From Refugee to War Crimes Defendant
Alaa M. came to Germany in 2015 during the height of the Syrian refugee crisis. He worked as an orthopedic doctor in several clinics, blending in as a respected member of his new community. But behind the scenes, survivors of Syria’s brutal crackdown were slowly recognizing his face—and the stories they shared pointed to something far darker.
He was arrested in 2020 after former prisoners identified him and shared their experiences with prosecutors.
Gruesome Acts Behind Hospital Walls
According to the court, Alaa M. was anything but a healer. Instead, he used his medical position to inflict pain and terror.
He was found guilty of killing two detainees and torturing at least eight others between 2011 and 2012. Witnesses described being beaten, burned, and cut without anesthesia. Some said he set genitals on fire, while others recalled him injecting a prisoner with a substance that led to death within minutes.
Judges called the acts sadistic and said he took pleasure in harming people he viewed as inferior. One of the most chilling findings: a 14-year-old boy was among his victims.
Justice Beyond Borders
Germany’s use of “universal jurisdiction” allowed it to prosecute the case, even though the crimes happened in Syria. This legal principle lets courts try people for serious crimes like genocide or torture, no matter where they took place, if no other country is able or willing to do so.
This isn’t the first time Germany has applied this rule in Syrian war crimes cases, but it’s among the most significant—especially because it targeted a medical professional who was supposed to help, not harm.
Survivors Took the Stand
Over 50 witnesses testified during the nearly two-year trial. Many were Syrians who had fled their country, living with the trauma of their past. They took the stand knowing there could be risks to themselves or their families back home.
Their courage was praised by both prosecutors and judges, who said the case would not have been possible without their strength and willingness to speak out.
No Hope of Release
Because of the severity of the crimes, the court found what’s known in German law as a “particularly grave” level of guilt. That designation means Alaa M. is unlikely to ever be released from prison—even after serving the minimum 15 years typical in life sentences.
The court also ruled he may face indefinite detention beyond his sentence if he’s still considered a danger.
He Maintains His Innocence
Despite overwhelming testimony and evidence, Alaa M. denied the charges. He claimed the case was built on lies and insisted he never hurt anyone.
His defense lawyers said they plan to appeal the ruling to Germany’s Federal Court of Justice.
A Turning Point for International Justice
Legal experts say this verdict adds momentum to ongoing efforts to hold those responsible for war crimes in Syria accountable. With international courts often paralyzed or politically blocked, national systems like Germany’s are becoming vital tools for justice.
This case shows that even years after the crimes—and far from the war zone—survivors can find a courtroom willing to hear them, and a judge ready to act.
