A former Syrian brigadier general living in Sweden has been acquitted of complicity in war crimes committed in Syria in 2012, according to the Stockholm District Court.

The 65-year-old, who sought asylum in Sweden in 2018, was accused of contributing to the violent military campaigns in Homs and Hama, where thousands of civilians were killed or injured.

This marks the first time a high-ranking Syrian military officer has faced trial in a European court for such crimes.

The court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove his involvement.

The trial has received significant international attention.