United Nations human rights investigators report a new list of Syrians suspected of committing war crimes.
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United Nations human rights investigators reported on Monday a new list of Syrians suspected of committing war crimes
The secret list will be used to prosecute suspects in the future.
The independent investigators speak of "an extraordinary body of evidence".
[Paulo Pinheiro, Independent Human Rights Investigator]:
"We have collected a formidable and extraordinary body of evidence which will remain in the custody of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Information collected, where consent was provided, will be available for future national and international justice mechanisms."
The report says that Syrian government forces and allied militia have committed war crimes including murder and torture of civilians, in what appears to be a state-directed policy.
[Paulo Pinheiro, Independent Human Rights Investigator]:
"A second confidential list of individuals and units believed to be responsible for violations is being provided to the High Commissioner of Human Rights. The Commission considers it improper to publicly release the names due to the lower standard of proof employed by commissions of inquiry as compared to a court of law."
Pinheiro did not mention if there were any Syrian rebels on the list.
But he did say that the increased presence of Islamist militants in Syria tends to radicalize rebels who have already committed crimes.
The investigators have conducted more than 1,100 interviews with victims and witnesses.
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