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Syria opposition groups accused of human rights abuse | Syria opposition groups accused of human rights abuse |
(about 1 hour later) | |
US campaign group Human Rights Watch (HRW) says elements of Syria's armed opposition have carried out serious human rights abuses, including kidnapping, torture and execution. | |
The group says the "brutal tactics" of the government cannot justify abuses by armed opposition groups. | The group says the "brutal tactics" of the government cannot justify abuses by armed opposition groups. |
HRW calls on the opposition leadership to speak out and condemn those abuses. | HRW calls on the opposition leadership to speak out and condemn those abuses. |
It made the statement in an open letter to the main opposition coalition, the Syrian National Council (SNC). | It made the statement in an open letter to the main opposition coalition, the Syrian National Council (SNC). |
According to HRW, abuses include kidnapping for ransom, detention, and torture of security force members, government supporters, and people identified as members of pro-government militias, called Shabiha. | According to HRW, abuses include kidnapping for ransom, detention, and torture of security force members, government supporters, and people identified as members of pro-government militias, called Shabiha. |
HRW says it has also received reports of executions by armed opposition groups of security force members and civilians. | HRW says it has also received reports of executions by armed opposition groups of security force members and civilians. |
"The Syrian government's brutal tactics cannot justify abuses by armed opposition groups," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at HRW. | "The Syrian government's brutal tactics cannot justify abuses by armed opposition groups," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at HRW. |
"Opposition leaders should make it clear to their followers that they must not torture, kidnap, or execute under any circumstances." | "Opposition leaders should make it clear to their followers that they must not torture, kidnap, or execute under any circumstances." |
The group said many of the anti-government groups reported to be carrying out abuses did not appear to belong to an organised command structure or to be following Syrian National Council orders. | The group said many of the anti-government groups reported to be carrying out abuses did not appear to belong to an organised command structure or to be following Syrian National Council orders. |
HRW has frequently accused Syria's government of abuse over the past year of conflict. | HRW has frequently accused Syria's government of abuse over the past year of conflict. |
The UN says more than 8,000 people have been killed in the year-long uprising, while tens of thousands of people have fled their homes. | The UN says more than 8,000 people have been killed in the year-long uprising, while tens of thousands of people have fled their homes. |
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