Amnesty International Secretary-General’s Latest Statement on Syria
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency and Al-Wasat newspaper, Agnes Callamard, Secretary-General of Amnesty International, stated that democracy remains absent in Syria.
Callamard said that the introduction of reform programs in the Syrian parliament, the formation of committees on transitional justice, and the engagement with international human rights organizations and other experts all suggest some change has occurred in Syria. While these developments are positive indicators, she emphasized they are not profound.
She reported that Syrian officials, including the Minister of Justice, informed her that hundreds remain imprisoned over violations tied to the former syrian regime’s abuses in detention centers.
“It appears accusations continue to be levied within Syria,” Callamard added. “Why are these individuals detained and who will try them?”
According to her, urgent legal reforms are necessary because some of the most heinous crimes under international law still do not qualify as offenses under Syrian legislation.
Callamard stressed that it is essential for the international community to adopt a firmer stance and heed the calls of Syrians demanding change.
Concluding her remarks after a brief visit to Syria, she said: “My impression is that Syria poses a challenge for the international community that must be contained. In my view, very few countries are willing to take a stronger position.”
