NEWS CENTER - Amnesty International's Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Kristine Beckerle, called for the crimes committed by DAISH gangs to be punished and for evidence to be preserved urgently. 

 

Amnesty International Middle East and North Africa Regional Deputy Director Kristine Beckerle made a statement regarding the attacks by HTS, DAISH, and gangs affiliated with Turkey on North and East Syria, and the transfer of prisons holding some DAISH gang members to HTS.

 

Kristine Beckerle stated that Syrian authorities must, in coordination with the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, "They must determine who should be investigated and prosecuted for crimes under international law or serious crimes under domestic law, who should be returned to their country when appropriate and tried in their country of origin, and who should be released. Local trials must meet international fair trial standards and be conducted without resorting to the death penalty."

 

The political breakdown should not be paid for by civilians

 

Kristine Beckerle stated that Syrian authorities and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria must urgently secure and preserve evidence of international crimes committed by DAISH, adding, “This includes written documents found at massacre sites, mass graves, and detention centers.” The evidence of crimes left behind is essential for determining the fate and whereabouts of Syrians lost to ISIS, as well as for investigating and prosecuting the perpetrators of international crimes, including war crimes and crimes against humanity. The recurring conflicts in Syria have had a devastating impact on civilians. Amnesty International reiterates its call on all parties to the recent conflicts to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law and not to make civilians pay the price for another political rupture in Syria."