A former Syrian security officer convicted in Austria of abusing detainees under Bashar al-Assad has returned to Syria while appealing his eight-year prison sentence, according to four sources and messages reviewed by Reuters.
Lieutenant Colonel Musab Abu Rukba arrived in his hometown of Nawa, in southern Daraa province, earlier this month. People familiar with the case said his return was marked by a family reception.
A Vienna court sentenced Abu Rukba last month after finding him guilty of bodily harm, aggravated coercion and sexual assault against people detained in Raqqa more than a decade ago.
Abu Rukba headed the city's police criminal investigations department under Assad's rule.
The Syria Justice and Accountability Centre criticised the Austrian authorities for allowing him to remain free throughout the proceedings and during his appeal.
“The escape of a lieutenant colonel accused of torture, sexual coercion and serious bodily harm demonstrates a failure by the Austrian authorities,” said the centre’s executive director, Mohammad al-Abdallah.
An Austrian court spokesperson said Abu Rukba had not been considered a flight risk before his trial. He had lived in Austria since 2014 and was seeking asylum with his family.
He was neither held in custody nor placed under other restrictions during the trial.
The court said his departure did not breach Austrian law or any ruling while the appeal process remains under way.
Abu Rukba’s return has raised broader questions about how Syria's new authorities will address alleged abuses committed under Assad.
The authorities have pledged to pursue former regime officials accused of serious crimes.
Assad fled to Russia in December 2024. This week, a Syrian court sentenced the former president to death in absentia over killings, torture, arbitrary detention and crimes against humanity.
Al-Abdallah, however, said Abu Rukba’s reception in Nawa highlighted concerns about accountability under Syria’s new authorities, arguing that some trials there have so far had little to do with justice.
The Syrian ministries of Interior and Justice did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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