The phone book that led us to Assad's spy chief in hiding

In the heart of Damascus, armed individuals rummaged through a former residence of the Syrian regime's spy chief, Hussam Luka, who went missing following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad. Inside, scattered across the living room were designer clothes and numerous documents, alongside images of Luka in various settings, including a photograph of him shaking the hand of the ousted leader.

The apartment also contained gold medals and gilded certificates with Luka's name engraved on them. Known as "The Spider," Luka was a high-ranking official in Assad's intelligence agency, responsible for orchestrating atrocities and systematic torture. After Assad's fall, Luka and others in the regime seemingly disappeared, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and demands for justice.

In the apartment, a disheveled notebook was found, filled with names scribbled in blue ink, including those of shopkeepers, doctors, military officials, and others with the Luka family name. It is believed that these contacts could potentially aid in tracking down The Spider and uncovering his past crimes. Luka's influence in Homs during the early days of the Syrian civil war was significant, as he was tasked with wresting the city from the rebels.

The residents, under siege, sometimes had to resort to eating rats, and those seeking safe passage often called Luka's phone number, which became a symbol of hope amidst the conflict. However, some who called the number were never seen or heard from again, allegedly due to Luka's involvement in the so-called Eid Massacre of September 2015, where he allegedly selected targets for the regime.

Luka's actions in Homs earned him a promotion, making him one of the most powerful men in the country. The Syrian government has launched a lawsuit against Luka, accusing him of premeditated murder, torture, and death resulting from torture, and a warrant has been circulated both domestically and internationally to seek his extradition.