French judicial authorities have issued international arrest warrants for Syrian President Bashar Assad, his brother Maher Assad, and two army generals, Ghassan Abbas and Bassam al-Hassan, alleging their involvement in war crimes and crimes against humanity. The charges include the 2013 chemical attack on rebel-held Damascus suburbs.

Lawyers representing Syrian victims announced the issuance of the arrest warrants, calling it a crucial milestone in the battle against impunity. The warrants were issued under universal jurisdiction in France, and the investigation, opened in March 2021, continues.