An Austrian court sentenced a former Syrian intelligence officer, Khaled al-Halabi, to eight years in prison for torture and other abuses against opponents of Bashar al-Assad. A second defendant also received an eight-year sentence.
An Austrian court has convicted two former Syrian officials for torturing opponents of Bashar Assad's regime. Khaled al-Halabi received an eight-year sentence for torture, aggravated bodily harm, and sexual assault, while Musab Abu Rukbah was convicted on similar charges. Both men had fled to Austria in 2015.
German journalist Eva Maria Michelmann, detained in Syria since January 18, has been released. Her brother confirmed her arrival from Jordan on Friday, stating she is doing well despite solitary confinement. Michelmann, a freelance journalist since 2002, was arrested in Raqqa during a military operation.
Syrian Minister of Water Resources stated that water levels are gradually receding in Raqqa and Deir Ezzor following recent floods. Damage assessment committees are working to estimate the extent of the damage, and compensation for affected citizens is under consideration. The floods, caused by heavy rains and snowmelt in Turkey, led to unprecedented water levels in the Euphrates River.
