LONDON- Britain imposed sanctions on Friday on individuals and organisations it said were linked to violence perpetrated against civilians in Syria, including some who financially supported former president Bashar al-Assad’s government.
While Britain has eased some sanctions on Syria as the country seeks to rebuild after the collapse of the Assad regime a year ago, it said it was taking action against those who were trying to undermine peace in the Middle Eastern country.
The government measures announced on Friday are targeted at individuals involved in coastal violence in Syria in March, as well as historic violence committed during the country’s civil war, the statement said.
“Accountability and justice for all Syrians is vital to ensure a successful and sustainable political settlement in Syria,” foreign minister Yvette Cooper said.
Today’s announcement exposes the role that four individuals and three organisations have played in suspected atrocities committed throughout the height of the Syrian Civil War, and in violence across coastal regions of Syria in Latakia and Tartous Governorates earlier this year. Additionally, two individuals who financially supported the Assad regime are also being sanctioned.
Those individuals been sactioned toda subject to an asset freeze, travel ban and director disqualification:
Ghaith Dalla – A former senior regime military commander, leader of a pro-regime militia group.
Miqdad Fatiha – A former regime military commander, leader of a pro-regime militia group.
Mohammad al-Jasim – Commander of Sultan Suleiman Shah militia group.
Sayf Boulad – Commander of Hamza Division militia group
Mudallal Khoury – a Syrian/Russian businessman who helped finance the activities of the Assad regime
Imad Khoury –a Syrian/Russian businessman who helped finance the activities of the Assad regime
The following organisations also are today subject to an asset freeze:
Sultan Murad Division – A militia group
Sultan Suleiman Shah Division – A militia group commanded by Mohammed al-Jasim
Hamzat Division – A militia group commanded by Sayf Boulad
The new package of measures forms part of the UK government’s ongoing commitment to seek accountability for abuses against the Syrian people, both by the former Assad regime and other actors.
The UK also reaffirms commitment to working with the Syrian Government to support the country’s economic recovery and transition to a more stable, free and prosperous future.
