France Issues New Arrest Warrant for Bashar al-Assad Over 2013 Chemical Attacks

New Warrant Issued by French Judiciary

French judicial authorities have issued a new international arrest warrant for Bashar al-Assad, the former Syrian president, in connection with the 2013 chemical weapon attacks in the suburbs of Damascus. The warrant, signed by investigating judges in Paris on July 29, 2025, charges al-Assad with complicity in crimes against humanity and complicity in war crimes. This development follows the annulment of an earlier warrant against him due to his immunity as a sitting head of state at the time of its issuance.

The decision to issue a new warrant comes after al-Assad's departure from power, having fled to Russia in December 2024, which effectively ended the Baath Party regime that had governed Syria since 1963. This legal action is part of a broader effort by French courts to pursue accountability for atrocities committed during the Syrian civil war, utilizing universal jurisdiction principles.

Context of the 2013 Chemical Attacks

The new arrest warrant specifically targets al-Assad's alleged role in the devastating chemical attacks that occurred in August 2013. These include the attacks in Eastern Ghouta and Douma, where rockets containing the nerve agent sarin were used. The attack on Eastern Ghouta on August 21, 2013, is particularly noted as the deadliest use of chemical weapons since the Iran-Iraq War, with estimates of fatalities ranging from at least 281 to over 1,700 people, including many children.

Investigations by various international bodies and human rights organizations, including the United Nations and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), have attributed responsibility for these attacks to the Syrian government. The use of chemical weapons has been widely condemned as a violation of international law and constitutes war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Previous Legal Actions and Immunity Challenges

This is not the first time French judicial authorities have sought to hold al-Assad accountable. An initial international arrest warrant was issued in November 2023. However, France's highest court, the Court of Cassation, annulled this warrant in July 2025, citing the principle of absolute immunity granted to sitting heads of state under international law. The subsequent issuance of the new warrant on July 29, 2025, reflects a legal strategy to overcome the immunity obstacle now that al-Assad is no longer considered a head of state.

In addition to al-Assad, French judges have also issued arrest warrants for other high-ranking Syrian officials, including his brother, Maher al-Assad, commander of the 4th Armored Division, and two Syrian army generals, Ghassan Abbas and Bassam al-Hassan, for their alleged involvement in the 2013 chemical attacks. These legal proceedings have been initiated following complaints filed by Syrian victims and human rights organizations such as the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM) and the Open Society Justice Initiative (OSJI).

Implications for International Justice

The issuance of this new arrest warrant is considered a significant victory for victims and survivors seeking justice for the atrocities committed in Syria. Legal experts and human rights advocates view it as a crucial step in the battle against impunity for international crimes. The ruling by the Paris Court of Appeal in June 2024, which upheld the validity of the initial warrant (before its annulment on immunity grounds), underscored that accountability for international crimes can supersede claims of immunity, even for a sitting head of state. This ongoing legal pursuit by France highlights a commitment to ensuring that those responsible for grave violations of human rights are held to account, regardless of their former position or status.