Amnesty International highlights human rights violations in PKK/YPG-run prisons

In an exclusive interview with Turkish media outlet CNN Turk, Amnesty International Secretary Agnes Callamard shared troubling findings regarding detention facilities operated by the terrorist organization PKK/YPG in northeast Syria.

Callamard highlighted widespread human rights abuses, particularly against women and children, and emphasized the involvement of the United States and other Western nations in supporting the terrorist group.

50,000 detainees, reports of abuse

Amnesty International has conducted extensive investigations into the region, revealing that over 50,000 people have been arbitrarily detained in facilities operated by the PKK/YPG.

“The vast majority are women and children,” Callamard said. “These facilities, 27 detention centers and two detention camps are run with the support of the U.S. and other countries.”

Allegations of mistreatment, torture

Callamard detailed the conditions in these detention centers, alleging routine mistreatment of detainees.

“We found that children are held alongside adults and are subjected to extreme psychological harm. Various forms of torture have been reported, including beatings with plastic pipes, cables, and steel rods. Detainees are sometimes stripped completely and forced to stand naked while being beaten,” she stated.

Callamard expressed concern over the deaths of detainees under these conditions. “Some individuals have died in these facilities,” she noted.

Concerns about international involvement

The detention centers are reportedly managed by the PKK/YPG and affiliated groups. Callamard emphasized these groups receive support from the United States and other Western nations.

“We are particularly worried about the treatment of children, who should not be held in such conditions,” she said.