Syrian leaders will not be allowed amnesty, says UN human rights chief

[alp227]

Source: The Guardian

The United Nations commissioner for human rights has warned Bashar al-Assad and his supporters that there can be no amnesty for crimes committed under their regime as reports of more violence emerged from Syria.

Navi Pillay, the UN high commissioner for human rights, said peace negotiators seeking to offer amnesties in return for regime change would be acting beyond their powers. "You cannot have amnesty for very serious crimes," she told the Associated Press, "so my message is very clear – there has to be accountability."

Pillay's statement may convince Assad and his supporters that their only option is to crush their opponents as any attempt at compromise or negotiation will ultimately lead to their indictment.

Syrian forces have remained active throughout the country, according to monitoring groups. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the recent death toll included 14 soldiers: six in Deraa and eight in confrontations with the Free Syrian Army, which did not report any casualties.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jun/02/syrian-regime-amnesty-un-rights

[Comrade Grumpy]

1. Would it be better to give these guys an out?

Dictators used to just go fade away in exile.

Now, they have no incentive to do anything but fight to the death.

[may3rd]

3. Saudi Arabia was always the spot for despot retreats

but Assad is persona non Grata with the king

[may3rd]

2. So, the UN told the regime they must fight to the bitter end. NICE nt

[Igel]

4. Not the UN.

Pillay.

Given the ease with which she often confuses herself and the UN even though she's frequently up close to both her and it, I can only assume it must be a lot easier from a distance.

[may3rd]

6. She is the one to get Assad to respond

She represents the UN according to sources in Syria ;

State TV Reports Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to Address Parliament Today

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014134855

[David__77]

5. Funny, since there are no charges whatsoever...

But, were there to be supranational legal proceedings, there would be no corresponding mechanism to provide amnesty. I strongly disagree with the concept of implementing a global government or jurisdiction that supersedes that of individual states, but if people are serious about doing so, then it might be wise to consider making provision for these sorts of things.

[leveymg]

7. Going to be a crowded room if they indict everyone responsible. Who killed the 14 Syrian soldiers?

For instance . . .