For immediate release

INDICT, which investigates Iraqi war crimes and crimes against humanity, today called upon the Syrian government to arrest Ali Hassan al-Majid, known as "Chemical Ali", who is reportedly travelling today to Damascus. Al-Majid, who was personally responsible for the chemical attack on Halabja in 1988 and the Anfal campaign of genocide against the Kurds, is under criminal investigation in Belgium and the United Kingdom.

"We learned earlier this week Ali Hassan al-Majid was planning to visit Egypt and we called on the Egyptian authorities to arrest him. Now we have received reports that he is travelling to Syria. We have sent a letter to the Syrian ambassador in London urging Syria not to receive al-Majid, or to arrest him. Al-Majid is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of innocent people. He is a sadistic killer, not a statesman," said Charles Forrest, Chief Executive Officer of INDICT, which is headquartered in London.

INDICT has collected witness statements and other evidence showing al-Majid's personal responsibility for war crimes, torture and genocide. "We have documents signed by al-Majid ordering mass killing and deportation. His personal guilt is absolutely clear. Any Syrian who shakes hands with Ali Hassan al-Majid will have blood on his own hands," added Mr Forrest.

INDICT noted that Syria has ratified the 1948 Genocide Convention, which obligates it to arrest those responsible for acts of genocide. "There is no immunity under the Genocide Convention for anyone. If Ali Hassan al-Majid comes to Damascus, he must be arrested," said Mr Forrest.

For more information contact INDICT.