The Syrian regime could face its first European war crimes probe after two human rights groups filed a complaint in a specialised Paris court over two missing Franco-Syrian nationals, AFP reported Monday (October 24th).

The International Federation for Human Rights and the Human Rights League lodged a complaint against persons unknown at the war crimes division of the Paris High Court.

If the court takes up the case it could lead to the first ever appointment of an investigating magistrate into the actions of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime.

The case focuses on Mazen Dabbagh, 57, and his 22-year-old son Patrick, who were detained by officers who identified themselves as members of Syria's air force intelligence service.

After being transferred to a Damascus military prison, the pair were never seen again.

Under the principle of universal jurisdiction, the war crimes unit is empowered to investigate crimes anywhere in the world as long as victims have French nationality or suspects are present on French soil.