Legal expert: issue of prisoners is a humanitarian, legal matter that cannot be compromised

The squares of cities in al-Jazira canton witness daily sit-ins and ongoing protests, during which residents and families of prisoners raise their voices to demand information about the fate of hundreds of their sons, who were captured during the attacks launched by factions of the interim government on northern and eastern Syria in mid-January. 

Using the prisoners' file as a political pressure tactic

During a protest in the city of Hasakah, lawyer Khaled Jabr told ANHA agency: "We share the deep pain of our people and the families of our prisoners, and we stand with them in this difficult humanitarian ordeal. We affirm our complete solidarity with their ongoing suffering, and we raise our voices to demand the immediate release of the prisoners, after the treachery they suffered despite the agreement reached between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Interim Government."

He affirmed that “what happened constitutes a clear violation of the agreements reached, as well as of the most basic humanitarian principles, and we call on human rights and humanitarian organizations to stand with our people and their imprisoned sons, and to work diligently to resolve this issue in a just and humane manner.

He added: "The Interim Government continues to use the prisoners' file as a political pressure tactic against the Kurdish people, without taking any real steps to release them. These fighters were captured during the withdrawal phase, under circumstances that necessitate fair legal proceedings."

He explained that: “This is primarily a humanitarian issue, and it is also an international legal matter that should not be dealt with through bargaining or political blackmail. However, the way the interim government is handling it reflects an irresponsible approach, deviating from humanitarian and legal standards and even approaching repressive practices that violate human rights.”

Calls for urgent action and guaranteeing the return of prisoners

Jabr appealed to the leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces: “It is imperative to work by all available means to guarantee the swift and safe return of our imprisoned sons.”

He stressed that: “This issue requires a unified stance, and Kurds in all parts of Kurdistan must stand with their people in Rojava and strengthen joint efforts to put pressure for an end to the suffering of the prisoners and their families.” 

Reneging on agreements and the continued political exploitation of the prisoners’ file

He emphasized: "The agreement between the two parties included several clear clauses, most notably the release of prisoners as a fundamental step toward building trust. However, we see that the interim government is not fulfilling its promises and continues to use this issue as a political tool against the Kurds. This behavior exacerbates the suffering of the prisoners and their families and undermines any real opportunities to reach just and sustainable solutions."

He reiterated his call to human rights and humanitarian organizations "to stand with the people of the region, work to achieve justice for the prisoners and their families, and ensure respect for international laws and conventions.”