URFA - Lawyer İsmet İbrahim from the Northern and Eastern Syria Lawyers Association stated that ISIS members, who are expected to be tried in the coming days, will be tried on charges such as "murder", "extortion", "torture" and "being a member of a gang organization".

 

The Autonomous Administration of Northern and Eastern Syria announced on June 10 that more than 10 thousand ISIS members held in prisons will be put on trial. In the statement, it was stated that both international and local laws will be taken as the basis in the proceedings. ISIS members will be tried under the umbrella of the People's Protection Court and the Social Justice Council. There is no clear date for when the trials will begin. The reason for this is the security to be provided for the healthy conduct of the proceedings; however, the trials are expected to begin in the coming days. A few days before the proceedings, the Autonomous Administration is expected to make a statement on the subject. Another issue of interest in the trial is what charges will be brought against the ISIS members.

 

According to İsmet İbrahim, a lawyer from the Northern and Eastern Syria Lawyers Association, who spoke to the Mesopotamia Agency (MA) on the subject, ISIS members will be prosecuted on charges such as "murder", "extortion", "torture" and "being a member of a gang organization".

 

APPROXIMATELY 12 THOUSAND ISIS MEMBERS WILL BE TRIED

 

Reminding that the Autonomous Administration had made many calls for ISIS members to be tried before, İbrahim said: "The calls for 'to have a trial in an international court' were not answered. No steps were taken to establish an international court. There are citizens of dozens of states. Some states came and took the women and children who were staying in the camps; however, there are still around 12 thousand prisoners

 

Stating that those living in Northern and Eastern Syria and committing crimes have been tried since 2015, but those coming from different countries have not been prosecuted, İbrahim said: "There are two courts dealing with terrorism crimes in Northern and Eastern Syria. One is in Qamishlo and the other is in Kobanê and those who joined ISIS are already being tried in these courts; however, approximately 12 thousand people from outside have not been tried yet. Both the laws of the Northern and Eastern Syria Autonomous Administration and international legislation will be taken into account when prosecuting these people."

 

ACCUSATIONS

 

Stating that ISIS members will be punished according to the crimes they have committed, İbrahim said: "There is a penalty for every crime; they will be tried for at least 3 years. Depending on the category of crime, the punishment can be increased to life imprisonment or aggravated life imprisonment. Any incident against a ISIS member (murder, extortion, torture, immorality, etc.), only 'being a member of in a gang' will be charged. "There is no death penalty in northern and eastern Syria. Since 2015, many terrorist criminals have been tried in courts, but no one has been sentenced to death."

 

'FAMILY OF MARTYRS WILL INVOLVE'

 

Regarding who may or may not be involved in the lawsuits, İbrahim said: "All the peoples living in Northern and Eastern Syria have been adversely affected by ISIS terrorism. The families of martyrs will be involved in these trials as complainants. They will be able to attend these trials through the Martyrs' Families Council or in person. Hearings will be open to the public and the media will be able to watch. Invitations will be sent to international law organizations. States whose citizens are on trial will be able to come and participate; however, I do not think that these states, which do not pave the way for the proceedings, will come and get involved in the proceedings. It is a demand of the people to hold these courts."

 

WILL ISIS HAVE LAWYERS?

 

Underlining that the Northern and Eastern Syria Lawyers Association will play an important role in the proceedings, İbrahim said, “A lawyer will be appointed for each family and no compensation (money) will be received. Families of martyrs who are not in Northern and Eastern Syria will be able to attend the hearing through their lawyers. An important aspect of the trial is the right or protection of gangs. No lawyer wants to defend these gangs, but within the framework of the law and according to the court decision, the Lawyers' Union will explain the laws and their rights to the gangs. Defense is a sacred right in Northern and Eastern Syria. Everyone has the right to defense and it is a legitimate right. Anyone can get a lawyer to defend themselves. Lawyers may come from outside. In the proceedings that are already held, if a person is without a lawyer, the court appoints a lawyer and does not leave anyone without a lawyer. People who do not have a lawyer will also be appointed lawyers from the Lawyers Association.”

 

'ISIS IS A DANGER TO THE WORLD'

 

Stating that ISIS members in Northern and Eastern Syria pose a danger to the whole world, İbrahim continued: "The Autonomous Administration shouts out that these ISIS mercenaries are a danger to the region and that they cannot stay like this any longer by maintaining their current positions. Thousands of ISIS families in the camps are united. This is a danger not only for Northern and Eastern Syria, but for the whole world. Our expectation from all international states, especially those that are in the position of guarantor power, to provide practical assistance and heed the calls."

 

MA / Emrullah Acar