Abandoned Residences of Assad Regime Enforcers

Jamil Hassan, identified as one of the most formidable figures within Bashar al-Assad’s Syrian government, sought for the torture and killing of civilians, was observed trembling as he descended the staircase of his residential building. Outside, the 72-year-old entered a vehicle that was part of a small motorcade, accompanied by his family and a few security personnel, with only a limited number of suitcases among them. His neighbor and her adolescent son witnessed the scene. “I knew the moment I saw them flee that Assad had fallen,” she states. Upon gaining access to Hassan’s apartment several days subsequent to his departure, evidence of the family’s hurried exit was apparent throughout the premises. Inside the refrigerator, a partially consumed carrot cake remained, with a knife still resting on the plate. Beds were covered with scattered clothing and vacant shoeboxes. In the dining area, flowers drooped in a vase, and dishes and cups had been left to air-dry near the sink. A framed picture depicting a smiling Hassan alongside Assad adorned the study wall, featuring the inscription: “Our skies are for us and forbidden to others”. Hassan, whom numerous civilians on his street called “the butcher,” served as one of Assad’s most threatening operatives. He commanded the Air Force Intelligence and supervised a system of detention centers, among them the infamous Mezzeh Prison, where prisoners were systematically subjected to torture. He represents one of several high-ranking regime officials, subject to international warrants or sanctions, who have deserted their residences in prosperous districts of Damascus and disappeared. Locating these individuals, who governed Syria with absolute authority, is anticipated to be challenging. Concerns exist that some may negotiate political agreements internationally and thus avoid accountability. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the organization that spearheaded the effort to overthrow the regime, has pledged to seek them within Syria. Insurgents associated with this group currently occupy Hassan’s apartment, and a handwritten message on the main entrance cautions against entry. When questioned about Hassan’s potential whereabouts, one individual smiled and responded: “I don’t know – to Hell.” Numerous apartment blinds on Hassan’s tranquil street in central Damascus are presently drawn. Attempts to knock on doors receive no reply. Residents willing to communicate describe their apprehension about residing on a street with an internationally sought war criminal. “We were so afraid to talk,” states the woman who observed his departure. “It was terrifying to live next to them.” Hassan is sought by the US for “engaging in conspiracy to commit cruel and inhuman treatment of civilian detainees, including US citizens.” He received a conviction in absentia earlier this year in France for his involvement in the imprisonment, disappearance, and torture of two Syrian-French citizens. Germany also seeks his apprehension. An Interpol Red Notice displays an image of Hassan accompanied by a declaration that he is wanted for “conspiracy to commit war crimes.” He was subjected to travel prohibitions and had his financial holdings frozen due to the suppression of civilian demonstrators. In April 2011, the US reports that Air Force Intelligence staff discharged tear gas and live rounds at protesting assemblies in Damascus and other urban centers, resulting in the deaths of at least 43 individuals. Individuals on the street characterize him as an imposing figure who was inaccessible and consistently encircled by security personnel. A temporary security checkpoint positioned outside Hassan’s apartment complex was continuously manned by military staff. The evening preceding the regime’s downfall, these men reportedly removed their uniforms and abandoned their armaments, as recounted by another neighbor. “It was the first time I’d seen this post with no lights, no sounds, no noise,” states 27-year-old Amr al-Bakri, a filmmaker residing with his family in the adjacent building. He indicated that local residents “knew what he did to the Syrians – outside of Damascus and in Damascus – so we know it but we can’t say anything, just ‘good morning sir’. He’d say nothing back.” Amr recounts that his family was compelled to relinquish their pet dog after Hassan’s guards issued threats to kill it if its barking persisted. When Amr’s family requested the relocation of the guard post from outside their residence, they were advised to relocate their home instead, he states. The security personnel routinely conducted inspections on the street and examined visitors’ bags. “Sometimes if I had a plumber or handyman to come and fix something one of the guards would come and check if there was really something that needed to be fixed,” explains the woman residing in Hassan’s building. Neighbors additionally report that Hassan possessed a “golden line” for electricity, ensuring his family’s lights remained constantly illuminated, whereas other residences in the vicinity experienced power outages. The electrician summoned to resolve issues at the apartment states he had known Hassan for numerous years “but only from