Case: Khaled A. -

Case No:(1) 2StE2/21-4 (1/21) - 1st Inst. Verdict – Final

Prosecuting Country: Germany

Nationality: Syrian

Sentence

1st Instance:

2 years imprisonment on parole

Case Summary

Khaled A., a Syrian national, was a member of the terrorist organisation Ahrar al-Tabqa between January and August 2013. He was involved in media activities and arranging accommodation, as well as collecting donations for refugees in the region. Khaled A. eventually left Syria and settled in Germany where he was arrested in August 2020. On 4 May 2021 he was found guilty of membership in a foreign terrorist organisation and war crime of pillaging. Khaled A. was sentenced to 2 years imprisonment on parole. The proceedings against Khaled A. concerning alleged violations of weapons of war control laws were terminated since the applicable statute of limitations entered into force before his arrest.

Criminal Case Records

Indictment

19 January 2021

Core International Crimes Charges

1 count of war crimes of pillaging

Terrorism Charges

2 counts of membership in a terrorist organisation

Other Domestic Charges

1 count of violations of weapons of war control laws

Verdict

1st Instance:

Core International Crimes
1 count of war crimes of pillaging
2 counts of membership in a foreign terrorist organisation

More details

Defendant

Nationality:

Gender:

Progress details

Case status: 1st Inst. Verdict – Final

Verdict status: Partial Acquittal

Case details

Affiliated group: Ahrar al-Tabqa

Travelled to conflict zone: Resident in conflict zone

Prosecution

Special procedure: N/A

Ground of jurisdiction: Universal Jurisdiction

Sentencing Data

Mitigating Factors

5-year-statute of limitations applicable to violation of weapons of war control laws which was not interrupted on time, thus proceedings for this charge had to be terminated
No criminal record
Late but extensive confession
Showed remorse
Used his position as part of the group to improve living conditions of local refugees
Particular severity of pre-trial conditions due to Covid-19 restrictions
Stable living conditions in Germany
Found himself in situation of armed conflict where he was part-time joining a terrorist organisation without salary and tried to improve living conditions for others

Aggravating Factors

Participated in making propaganda videos for over half a year
Leading role in pillaging activities
Committed several crimes

Evidence Used

Confession
Expert testimony

Sources

Indictment – Press Release

1st Instance Verdict – On File

Last update: 6 October 2025