Human Rights Watch (HRW) has criticised the close relationship between Turkey’s Justice and Development Party/Nationalist Movement Party (AKP-MHP) alliance, and armed groups in Syria.
The NGO highlighted that MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli had welcomed members of the Syrian National Army (SNA) who were visiting Turkey.
The SNA is a loose alliance of Turkish-sponsored armed groups in northern Syria. HRW has previously written that Turkey “bears responsibility for the serious abuses and potential war crimes committed by members of its own forces and local armed groups it supports”.
Bahçeli met with SNA commanders Saif Abu Bakr and Mohammad al-Jassem (Abu Amsha), who are both alleged to be responsible for committing and overseeing abuses of human rights. Both of them are subject to US sanctions.
Al-Jassem has been accused, according to HRW, of “abductions, unlawful detentions (including of children), sexual violence, and torture. Additionally, the report highlights widespread looting, pillaging, and property seizures”. These accusations have even come from inside Al-Jassem’s own faction.
Abu Bakr and Al-Jassem command the Hamzat Division and the Sultan Suleiman Shah Brigade of the SNA.
HRW, responding to Bahçeli being photographed with Al-Jassem and Abu Bakr, said in a statement that “Photo ops like this demonstrate that Türkiye is not only uninterested in addressing these abuses but appears to celebrate and embolden the very individuals responsible for them. Bahçeli’s public association with the two faction leaders undermines efforts to hold them accountable and signals tacit approval, or official tolerance, of their actions.”
“The apparent celebration of these men in Türkiye starkly contrasts with its responsibilities as an occupying power, showing a blatant disregard for accountability, justice, and the future stability of the region,” HRW added.
Al-Jassem and Abu Bakr also met with Alaettin Cakici, a convicted mafia leader, during their visit to Turkey.
