The claimed execution of 1,700 prisoners by the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIS) in the Iraqi city of Tikrit almost certainly amounts to war crimes, stated the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay.
Videos and photographs have emerged on various websites linked to ISIS, showing executions of dozens up of members of the Iraqi army. ISIS claims to have executed 1,700 after capturing the city of Tikrit. It comes as the group claim to have made further territorial gains, capturing the town of Tal Afar and its commanding general, whom they will publically execute, according to reports.
Pillay said in a statement earlier today,
“Based on corroborated reports from a number of sources, it appears that hundreds of non-combatant men were summarily executed over the past five days, including surrendered or captured soldiers, military conscripts, police and others associated with the Government,”
The High Commissioner went on to add,
“Although the numbers cannot be verified yet, this apparently systematic series of cold-blooded executions, mostly conducted in various locations in the Tikrit area, almost certainly amounts to war crimes”.
Earlier UN Secretary- General Ban Ki-Moon had also released a statement where he said,
“Reports of mass summary executions by ISIL are deeply disturbing and underscore the urgency of bringing the perpetrators of such crimes to justice.”
Calling for a united response to ISIS, the statement also added,
“The Secretary-General once again urges the international community to unite in showing solidarity with Iraq as it confronts this serious security challenge. He calls for full respect for international humanitarian law and human rights law in efforts to counter terrorism and violence in Iraq.”