Recent Law Provides Hope for Prisoners in North-East Syria
What did the Amnesty Law No. 10 of 2024 in North-East Syria Address?
- The recent decision by the Autonomous Administration of the North and East Syria Region to issue Amnesty Law No. 10 of 2024 offers relief to individuals convicted under broad counter-terrorism laws.
- Amnesty will be granted to those who surrender within 90 days of the law coming into effect.
What Did Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director Have to Say?
Aya Majzoub commended the general amnesty law as a means to reduce unfair sentences and offer a chance at freedom to those unjustly detained.
What Concerns Remain?
- Despite the positive step taken, Amnesty International remains deeply worried about the tens of thousands of detainees who have been held without charge or trial for over five years in North-East Syria.
- The organization calls for urgent coordination between the UN, autonomous authorities, and the US-led military coalition to address this issue.
Background on the Situation in North-East Syria
How Many Individuals have been Prosecuted in the People’s Defence Courts?
Over 9,600 Syrians and a small number of Iraqis have been prosecuted in the People’s Defence Courts of North-East Syria for alleged ties to the Islamic State (IS) armed group since its defeat in 2019.
What Did Amnesty International’s Report Highlight?
Amnesty International’s report released in April 2024 sheds light on the grave violations of detainees’ rights in North-East Syria, including inhumane conditions and lack of fair trials.
What Was Amnesty International’s Previous Call?
The organization had previously urged for a targeted amnesty for those convicted under the region’s counter-terrorism laws due to widespread fair trial rights violations in the People’s Defence Courts.
In conclusion, the new amnesty law in North-East Syria signifies a step towards justice for individuals convicted in flawed trials, but there are still pressing issues that need to be addressed promptly to ensure fair treatment for all detainees.
Source: www.amnesty.org