Syriacs demand justice, criticize deportations of ISIS members without trials

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — As the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria continues to push the international community to repatriate Islamic State (ISIS) members detained by the Syriac Democratic Forces (SDF), a new issue has arisen among the families of the victims, particularly in the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) communities in the Khabur River Valley. They lament the failure of governments to prosecute deported ISIS terrorists, viewing it as a violation of victims’ rights.

In interviews with North Press Agency, victims kidnapped by ISIS terrorists during the February 2015 attacks on Khabur villages shared their sentiments. They expressed deep skepticism about the rehabilitation of terrorists, insisting that the ideology of terrorism remains ingrained and unchanged.

Furthermore, they adamantly oppose the extradition of nationals with ISIS links to their countries unless they face accountability. This condition is crucial to safeguarding the rights of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people, who suffered loss of life, abduction, displacement, and destruction of churches.

These families feel their rights are compromised when countries repatriate ISIS members without ensuring justice. They fear these individuals could be reactivated elsewhere or within the same region, posing an ongoing threat.

The presence of untried terrorists in the region is deemed unjust and dangerous, akin to a ticking time bomb. Extraditing them without due process exacerbates this injustice, highlighting flaws in the justice system.