Duty vs Fear

This week's episode is a deep dive into the recent testimonies of key witnesses whose statements might incriminate both defendants. However, the lines between truth and exaggeration, threats and self-preservation were blurred as three men spoke and the court listened.

You can follow us on Twitter @Fritz_Streiff , @KaramShoumali and @Paulinepeek

Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/branch251
Hannah el-Hitami: https://hannahelhitami.com/
Follow Hannah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hannahel711
Arabic trial update of the last 18 days: https://bit.ly/3iGXSuM
ECCHR trial updates: https://www.ecchr.eu/en/case/trial-updates-first-trial-worldwide-on-torture-in-syria/
Syria Justice And Accountability Centre's monitoring of the trial: https://bit.ly/37Jofv1

Logo design by laurenshebly.nl -- Photo by James Lawler Duggan/AFP/Getty Images.

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About the Podcast

Branch 251

Syrian Atrocity Crimes on Trial

Branch 251 takes you to the heart of the world’s first criminal trial dealing with atrocity crimes committed by Syrian officials.

Prosecutors in the German city of Koblenz accuse two alleged henchmen of the Syrian government of crimes against humanity committed at ‘Branch 251’ detention center near Damascus.

Branch 251 gives you a weekly update on the trial. With portraits of the main protagonists. Commentary, analysis, and testimony from the courtroom. Especially from victims and their families looking for justice. But will a German court in a city few people have heard of be able to deliver due process? Or are there too many obstacles looming on the horizon?

Branch 251 is listener supported. You can support us by subscribing, spreading the word and by going to our website (branch-251.captivate.fm) and clicking the 'Support This Podcast' button.

Logo design by laurenshebly.nl -- Photo by James Lawler Duggan/AFP/Getty Images.

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About your hosts

Pauline Peek

Pauline Peek is a research assistant, production assistant and history student who also happens to possess a bachelor’s degree in singing. Originally from the Netherlands, she is currently based in Berlin, Germany.

Fritz Streiff

Fritz is an atrocity crimes and human rights lawyer who has a big problem with global injustice. He is currently based in Paris, France.

International justice is his big passion. Though podcasts follow pretty closely.

Karam Shoumali

Karam Shoumali is a multi-lingual Syrian researcher, journalist, and expert on Syrian and Kurdish politics and the Syrian diaspora. Born and raised in Syria, He has played a major role in The New York Times’ coverage of the Syrian war and the resulting refugee crisis in Europe and Germany.