Today is the first day of the substantive hearings in the investigation 'Shildon'. The case concerns charges of torture (in Dutch: foltering) and crimes against humanity including sexual violence and rape. It is the first time that a case about sexual violence as a crime against humanity is brought to trial in the Netherlands. Crimes against humanity are crimes that are committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population.
The Accused in this case was the head of the interrogation department of the National Defense Force ('NDF') in the town Salamiya, Syria. The NDF is a paramilitary group consisting of mainly local pro-regime militias who were fighting on the side of the Syrian regime.
Nine victims (survivors) have come forward. The testimonies of these direct victims are supported by a large number of other witnesses. A total of 24 charges have been brough against the Accused. Seven of the victims will travel to the Netherlands especially for this trial. They will exercise their right to speak on 14 April.
The case can be followed remotely via a live stream (registration is necessary). For more information, please visit the court’s website >> here <<.
The participating victims in this case are represented by lawyers Barbara van Straaten and Brechtje Vossenberg.
The Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad recently wrote a background article about this case, which is available in Dutch:
- Opten and R. Spekenbrink, ‘Syrische vrienden herkennen hun folteraar, die in Druten woont: ‘Ik dacht dat hij me zou doden’’, 7 April 2026