Kyrgyz lawmaker says youths recruited for Syrian war
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 17 April 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Kyrgyz lawmaker says youths recruited for Syrian war, 17 April 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/519a6b7e18.html [accessed 20 October 2022] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
April 17, 2013
By RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service
Two rebels take sniper positions during fighting in Aleppo, Syria. (file photo)
BISHKEK – A Kyrgyz lawmaker is asking for an investigation into the alleged recruitment of teenage fighters for Syria's civil war.
Ata-Jurt (Fatherland) party member Dastanbek Dzhumabekov made the call in parliament on April 17.
The lawmaker quoted residents of Aravan and other districts of the southern region of Osh as saying that around 15 teenage boys have been recruited in mosques and sent to Syria via Turkey to participate in the Syrian conflict.
He also said that a member of parliament and two parents have traveled to Istanbul to look into the matter.
Mametbek Myrzabaev, an official with the State Commission on Religious Affairs, told RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service that seven residents of the town Kyzyl-Kya in the southern region of Batken traveled to Syria via Turkey last month. He says the youngest was 18 years of age.
With reporting by 24.kg and AKIpress
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
