A Syrian national accused of orchestrating murder and terror as part of the Islamic State terrorist organization has pleaded not guilty to the charges at a trial in Budapest.
The man known only as Hassan F has been accused of mass executions, terrorist acts and crimes against humanity.
According to the indictment, the man served as member of the Islamic State terrorist organization and was involved as leader of a small unit responsible for a public beheading and multiple executions in his homeland in 2015. He is suspected of being linked to at least 25 killings.
The 27-year-old denied all charges, insisting that IS “had sought to recruit him” but he had turned them down and undertaken to go to prison instead. He said he had never hurt anyone and had not been in Syria at the time.
The trial will continue on Friday with the hearing of witnesses.
Photo credit: hungarytoday.hu