Among The Lebanese Assad’s Chemical Weapons Chief Hides In Lebanon Under US-Lebanese Protection

Former Syrian general Bassam alHassan, linked to Bashar al-Assad’s chemical weapons program, is living in Lebanon under U.S. and Lebanese protection, according to a joint BBC–NPR investigation.

The investigation reveals that he receives protection and financial support in exchange for information on American journalist Austin Tice’s disappearance in 2012, despite earlier reporting linking Hassan himself to the kidnapping.

Syria’s new authorities want him tried on charges related to crimes against humanity. His reported protection in Lebanon raises serious questions about the Lebanese authorities’ role in sheltering a prominent figure from Assad’s former regime.