The office said in a statement that Rifaat al-Assad, 86, had been charged with "ordering homicides, acts of torture, cruel treatments and illegal detentions."
While the Syrian civil war has entered the backdrop of Middle Eastern politics in light of the Israel-Hamas war, Syria's foreign minister speaks of expanding regional ties with other Arab nations.
The Syrian dictator also expressed support for Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and compared the war between Israel and Hamas to that war, painting both Hamas and Russia as acting in self-defense.
The 22-member Arab League voted to restore Syria’s membership in the body last May, ending a 12-year suspension that made Syria an international pariah.
China's invitation to Bashar Assad comes as the Asian superpower cautiously proceeds to solidify its influence in the Middle East.
Ongoing protests see citizens, including Druze spiritual leaders, calling for democratic reform and a halt to economic degradation
In footage posted on activist pages, a group of men could be seen ripping a banner portraying Assad's face that was hanging above the local branch of the Farmers' Union.
BEHIND THE LINES: Renewed protests in Syria show regime and Iran vulnerable to economic pressure
Citizens accuse the government of negligence in resolving the region’s issues.
"Long live Syria and down with Bashar al Assad!" protesters chanted near police headquarters and the governor's office as security forces nearby avoided confrontation.
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