Former Syrian Officials Convicted of Torturing Pro-Democracy Protesters in Austria

A court in Austria tried two former Syrian officials for torture. The defendants had lived in Austria since 2015. They were found guilty of abusing pro-democracy protesters. The case was brought under Austria’s universal-jurisdiction law. It is among the first such prosecutions in the country. The ruling underscores Austria’s willingness to pursue overseas crimes. Victims’ families welcomed the verdict as a step toward accountability. Authorities said further investigations may follow.