An Austrian court in Vienna has convicted a former Syrian intelligence officer, Khaled al-Halabi, 63, for his role in torturing opponents of ousted President Bashar al-Assad. He was sentenced to eight years in prison.

A second defendant, former police lieutenant colonel Musab Abu Rukbah, 54, nicknamed "the Angel of Death," also received an eight-year sentence. Both pleaded not guilty.

Over a dozen victims testified during the month-long trial, describing beatings, electrocution, and being doused in hot and cold water while al-Halabi headed the General Intelligence Directorate in Raqqa from 2011 to 2013.

The presiding judge stated that al-Halabi was "actively aware" of the torture, noting that new arrivals were beaten immediately after arrest. One victim recounted being interrogated by al-Halabi and having the soles of his feet beaten with electric cables.

The prosecution argued that al-Halabi received "direct instructions" from the Damascus government and used violence "systematically" with "standardized torture methods." He was found guilty of torture, grievous bodily harm, aggravated coercion, and sexual assault.

This case is one of the few where a European country has asserted jurisdiction over alleged crimes by Syrian state agents. Similar trials have taken place in France, Germany, Sweden, and Belgium.

Source: www.aljazeera.com