UN: Syria forces may face prosecution for attacks
China’s ambassador to the UN Liu Zhenmin addresses the Human Rights Council special session on the situation in Syria at the United Nations European headquarters in Geneva. — Reuters picGENEVA, June 1 — Syrian forces and allied “shabbiha” militia who stand accused of committing a massacre in Houla may be liable for prosecution for crimes against humanity, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said today.
Pillay, in a speech read out on her behalf to a special session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, said: “These acts may amount to crimes against humanity and other international crimes and may be indicative of a pattern of widespread or systematic attacks against civilian populations that have been perpetrated with impunity.”
Pillay, a former war crimes judge, added: “I reiterate that those who order, assist or fail to stop attacks on civilians are individually criminally liable for their actions.” — Reuters
