HRW: Syria's torture of civilians is crime against humanity
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 3 July 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, HRW: Syria's torture of civilians is crime against humanity, 3 July 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5000251c23.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| 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. |
July 03, 2012
Human Rights Watch (HRW) says the ill-treatment and torture of civilians has become state policy in Syria.
In a report released on July 3, the New York-based rights watchdog says torture has become a crime against humanity in Syria and should be prosecuted by the International Criminal Court.
HRW says it has identified 27 detention centers run by intelligence agencies in Syria.
Ole Solvang, a researcher at HRW, said the Syrian regime was "running an archipelago of torture centers scattered across the country."
The 81-page report says most former detainees interviewed said they were tortured or had witnessed the torture of others.
Torture methods included prolonged beatings with batons and cables, and detainees, including children, being held in painful stress positions for prolonged periods.
In other news, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has been quoted as saying he wished Syrian forces had not shot down a Turkish jet last month.
With reporting by dpa
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
