International tribunal for ISIS terrorists

In recent years, the world has witnessed the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighting against the terrorist organization Daesh in north and east Syria. Daesh, known as the most dangerous international terrorist organization, has disregarded countries and their official borders. Thousands of individuals from over 60 nationalities entered the region through Turkish territory, facilitated by the government in Ankara. The SDF, with support from the Global Coalition Against Daesh, engaged in fierce battles to defend the values of freedom and eliminate this threat. Through the SDF's efforts, the so-called caliphate was dismantled, and Daesh terrorists were expelled from their stronghold in Raqqa, as well as other regions like Manbij, Tabqa, Hasakah, Qamishli, and Deir ez-Zor. Ultimately, Daesh was geographically and militarily defeated in its final stronghold, Al Baghous, in 2019. However, this war came at a high cost for the people of the region, with over 15,000 martyrs and more than 25,000 permanently disabled or wounded individuals. The region suffered extensive destruction as a result of the conflict.Daesh committed heinous crimes, including mass massacres and war crimes against the people of Deir Ezzor, Kobani, Hasakah, and Qamishli. Thousands of people are still missing as a result of their actions. After the region was liberated, numerous mass graves were discovered, some of which remain unidentified. Daesh employed a strategy of extermination, mass killings, destruction, looting, intimidation, and sabotage to assert control and perpetuate its dark power.

In the final stronghold of Al-Baghouz, over ten thousand dangerous Daesh fighters, including high-ranking officials, were arrested. They are currently held in the detention centers of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). Additionally, there are tens of thousands of Daesh family members, primarily women and children, residing in camps in northeast Syria, along with thousands of Iraqi nationals.Since the Battle of Al-Baghouz concluded, the AANES has consistently urged the international community to fulfill its responsibilities regarding the Daesh members held in their detention centers. The AANES proposed initiatives for concerned countries, human rights organizations, and international bodies to establish an international tribunal or a tribunal of international character to prosecute Daesh members based on compelling evidence and documentation available to AANES institutions. The crimes committed by these individuals against the people and components of the region are horrific acts of terrorism and must be addressed through justice.Therefore, it is imperative for the international community to assist in establishing an international tribunal or hybrid courts to prosecute Daesh members.

This problem is not limited to a single region but is an international issue that concerns the entire global community. It also places a significant burden on the AANES. Despite numerous appeals and initiatives, the international community has yet to take clear positions that serve the cause of justice and the prosecution of Daesh terrorists.Presently, the AANES faces considerable challenges, given the difficulty and sensitivity of the current stage, as well as the burden of holding these criminals in detention without trial for their crimes against innocent people. This situation cannot persist indefinitely, and the failure to bring these criminals to justice contradicts international laws and norms. Furthermore, their continued presence poses an increasing security threat to achieve justice and honor the victims, the AANES has decided to commence open, fair, and transparent trials of Daesh foreigners held in its detention centers. These trials will adhere to international and local laws on terrorism, ensuring the rights of plaintiffs among the victims and their family members are upheld. This decision does not signify a change in the AANES's position regarding the need for an international tribunal specific to Daesh terrorists. We remain firm in our opinion and emphasize the importance of establishing an international tribunal or a tribunal with an international character to specifically address the crimes committed by Daesh. We reiterate our call to the international community to respond to our plea for the formation of such a tribunal in light of this, we urge the Global Coalition Against Daesh, the United Nations, relevant international human rights organizations, and local organizations to actively engage, be present, and extend their support throughout all stages of the trials. Their involvement is crucial in ensuring justice is served and the rights of the victims are upheld.

Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria

Ain Issa

2023/06/10