Lawyer Rengin Ergül presented evidence of civilian casualties from the 2019 Turkish shelling in Tel Rifat to the Permanent People’s Tribunal in Brussels. The attack on December 2, 2019, resulted in ten deaths, primarily children, highlighting violations of international humanitarian law. Evidence indicates a targeted assault on a civilian area, prompting calls for international accountability and adherence to humanitarian law.
Lawyer Rengin Ergül presented the case of civilian casualties in the 2019 Turkish shelling of Tel Rifat to the Permanent People’s Tribunal in Brussels. On December 2, 2019, a shell hit the Al-Shahba garage neighborhood, killing ten civilians, including eight children, and injuring 17 others. A second shell hit the same area shortly after, indicating a targeted assault on a civilian zone that lacked military presence.
The Al-Shahba neighborhood was home to displaced individuals from Afrin, a region under Turkish control since “Operation Olive Branch” in 2018, located near a Red Crescent facility. Among the victims was Aarif Muhammad Jafar, a six-year-old boy who died from shrapnel, while his brother Ahmad sustained serious injuries. The UN verified that all fatalities were civilians who had fled Afrin, condemning the disregard for civilian safety in conflict zones.
Ergül presented photographic and video evidence to demonstrate the deliberate targeting of civilians, asserting, “The available evidence strongly supports that the attack on Tel Rifat constituted a targeted strike against civilians, in violation of international humanitarian law.” She emphasized Turkey’s responsibility due to its military operations alongside the Syrian National Army (SNA) and called for international accountability for these severe human rights violations.
The article discusses a legal case presented at the Permanent People’s Tribunal regarding the Turkish military actions in Tel Rifat, Syria, particularly the shelling that resulted in civilian casualties. This case highlights ongoing concerns about the impact of military operations on non-combatants and the legal implications for state actions in conflict situations. The situation in Afrin adds context, illustrating the broader humanitarian crisis in the region resulting from military interventions. The Permanent People’s Tribunal serves as a forum to address violations of human rights and international law, seeking accountability for acts perceived as war crimes or crimes against humanity. This context provides clarity on the significance of Ergül’s presentation, as it emphasizes the need for legal mechanisms to address injustices experienced by civilians in conflict-affected areas.
The presentation by lawyer Rengin Ergül to the Permanent People’s Tribunal underscores severe violations of international humanitarian law in Tel Rifat due to the Turkish military’s actions. The targeted shelling of civilians, particularly vulnerable groups like children, raises urgent questions about state accountability. Demanding adherence to international norms and seeking avenues for justice remain critical in addressing humanitarian crises and protecting civilian populations in conflict zones.
Original Source: anfenglish.com
