A rebel leader in Syria has announced the dismantling of the Assad regime’s security forces. He said he would close prisons and hunt down and punish those responsible for torture and killings of detainees. Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the leader of the HTS rebel group that currently leads Syria, told Reuters that the former regime’s security forces would be dismantled and notorious prisons would be closed. He also called for the return of torturers who have fled to other countries.
The al-Qaeda-linked HTS group is being viewed with caution by foreign governments, while the United States, the United Nations and the European Union have designated it a terrorist organization. The leaders of the G7 group of major democracies said on Thursday they were ready to help Syria’s transition process to a government that is inclusive and credible, regardless of political affiliation.
The G7 statement said that the political transition after the 24-year rule of dictator Bashar al-Assad must be transparent and ensure the rule of law, the rights of all, including women’s rights, and the rights of minorities. The G7 pledged its full support and cooperation to any future Syrian government that adheres to these standards.
During the 50 years of rule by the Assad family, scores of people were killed, disappeared, and imprisoned. After Assad fled the country, families of those arrested visited prisons.
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