Rights group file Syria torture case in Norway

A human rights group says it has asked Norwegian prosecutors to open a criminal investigation against senior Syrian officials over allegations of torture and crimes against humanity.

The Berlin-based European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights said Tuesday it filed the complaint together with four other groups on behalf of five torture survivors.

The plaintiffs want Norwegian prosecutors to investigate and issue arrest warrants against 17 senior members of Syria's security apparatus allegedly linked to 14 detention facilities in the country.

It is unclear whether the suspects are outside of Syria. The five victims are living in Norway.

Similar preliminary proceedings are ongoing in France, Sweden and Austria. In Germany, the first such case is expected to go to trial next year.