HRW: Turkey bears responsibility for violations in occupied Syrian territories

Human Rights Watch said in a report issued today, “Turkey bears responsibility for serious violations and possible war crimes committed by members of its forces and the local armed groups it supports in the territories occupied by Turkey in northern Syria.”

The 75-page report, “By Force of Arms: Violations and Impunity in the areas of Northern Syria Occupied by Turkey,” documents kidnappings, arbitrary arrests, illegal detention, sexual violence, and torture by Turkish occupation mercenaries of various formations.

Human Rights Watch found that Turkish occupation mercenaries and Turkish intelligence agencies were involved in implementing and supervising violations.

The organization also documented violations of the rights to housing, land, and property, including widespread looting and robbery, as well as property seizures and extortion, and the failure of accountability attempts to limit violations or provide compensation to victims.

Current violations, including torture and forced disappearances, against those living under Turkish authority in northern Syria will continue unless Turkey itself takes responsibility and moves to stop them,” said Adam Coogle, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch.

The organization notes that: “Accountability for gross human rights violations and possible war crimes in the territories occupied by Turkey remains elusive.”

Human Rights Watch investigated the cases of four high-ranking individuals who were allegedly involved in serious violations. None of them have been tried, and three of them currently hold senior positions in the National Army mercenaries, according to sources.

Sh-S

ANHA