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France's highest court upheld some of Bashar Assad's immunity as a former head of state, but allowed for future war crimes warrants. This decision disappointed human rights advocates who sought to prosecute leaders for atrocities while in power. The court's ruling permits issuing new arrest warrants for Assad, potentially leading to a trial in absentia in France for alleged chemical weapons use. While a blow to activists, the ruling also established the right to prosecute former high-ranking officials in France, offering a degree of accountability.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.