Turkish president vows to hold Assad accountable for Syrian brutalities under international law

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that Türkiye will take all necessary measures to ensure that Bashar al-Assad's regime is held accountable for its brutal actions against the Syrian people under international law.

Erdogan made the remarks to journalists on his return flight from Cairo, where he attended 11th D-8 Summit, Caliber.Az reports citing Turkish media.

The president referred to the disturbing footage from Syria’s infamous Sednaya prison, which corroborated long-standing Turkish claims of atrocities and extrajudicial executions carried out by the Assad regime. He described these acts as “one of the most painful manifestations of the Ba'ath regime.”

"Mass graves are being discovered in Syria, and we probably have not yet seen the full extent of the brutality and torture," Erdogan added.

President Erdogan also emphasized that lifting the embargo and restrictions imposed on Syria’s Assad regime would facilitate the country's reconstruction efforts.

Additionally, Erdogan called for addressing the issue of voluntary returns for Syrian refugees, including the rapid construction of housing and the creation of jobs to support their reintegration.

On the topic of Russia’s diplomatic presence in Syria, the Turkish leader commented on the continued operations of the Russian embassy and consulate, stating, "The Russians say they have no plans to close their diplomatic missions in Syria, and I believe this is beneficial for the Syrian side."

By Vafa Guliyeva