Thirteen named on Syrian sanctions list

European Union targets 13 officials over violent crackdown on protests.

Maher al-Assad
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Maher al-Assad, left, tops the EU sanctions list over regime’s brutal crackdown on protests [AFP]

The European Union has announced sanctions against 13 Syrian officials it has accused of playing a role in the violent repression against anti-government demonstrations that broke out in mid-March.

Below are the individuals named on the list and the EU’s allegations against them.

1. Maher al-Assad

President Bashar al-Assad’s 43-year-old brother. Prinicipal overseer of violence against demonstrators. Commander of the army’s 4th Division, member of the Baath Party Central Command, strongman of the Republican Guard.

2. Ali Mamlouk

The 65-year-old head of the General Intelligence Service, a position he has held since 2005. Involved in violence against demonstrators.

3. Mohammed Ibrahim al-Chaar

Minister of interior. Involved in violence against demonstrators.

4. Atef Najib

Former head of Political Security in the city of Deraa; involved in violence against demonstrators.

5. Hafez Makhlouf

A 40-year-old colonel and the Head of Unit in the General Intelligence Directorate, Damascus Branch. He is close to Maher al-Assad and involved in violence against demonstrators.

6. Mohammed Dib Zeitoun

Head of Political Security; involved in violence against demonstrators.

7. Amjad al-Abbas

Head of Political Security in the city of Baniyas; involved in violence against demonstrators in Baida.

8. Rami Makhlouf

The 41-year-old first cousin of Bashar and Maher al-Assad and one of the most powerful businessmen in Syria. Described as an “associate” of Maher, Makhlouf bankrolls the regime, allowing violence against demonstrators.

9. Abd al-Fatah Qudsiyah

Head of Syrian Military Intelligence; involved in the repression against the civilian population.

10. Jamil Hassan

Head of Syrian Air Force Intelligence; involved in the repression against the civilian population.

11. Rustum Ghazali

Head of Syrian Military Intelligence – Damascus Countryside Branch; involved in the repression against the civilian population.

12. Fawwaz al-Assad

A leader of the Shabiha, or undercover militia; involved in the repression against the civilian population.

13. Mundir al-Assad

Took part in the repression against the civilian population as part of the Shabiha militia.

Source: Al Jazeera