Amnesty: Russian bombing of Syria may be a war crime

Reuters ^ | December 22nd, 2015 | by Katya Golubkova and Maria Tsvetkova

[Mariner]

Russia's bombing of Syria may amount to a war crime because of the number of civilians its strikes have killed, Amnesty International said on Wednesday, presenting what it said was evidence that the air raids had violated humanitarian law.

"Russian air strikes in Syria have killed hundreds of civilians and caused massive destruction in residential areas, striking homes, a mosque and a busy market, as well as medical facilities, in...attacks that show evidence of violations of international humanitarian law," Amnesty said in a new report.

Russia started its campaign of air strikes against militants in Syria on Sept. 30, saying it wanted to help the Kremlin's main Middle East ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, defeat Islamic State and other militant groups.

It has repeatedly and forcefully denied targeting civilians, saying it takes great care to avoid bombing residential areas.

When asked by Reuters to comment on the Amnesty allegations, the Russian Defense Ministry said it had no immediate comment, while the Russian Foreign Ministry said it first needed to study the report before giving any official reaction.

[i_robot73]

I concur.

But, it’s not just the ‘progressives’ that want to weaken our Rights. We’ve seen time and again the ‘go-along-to-get-along’ from ‘our side’. We’ve seen the expanse of govt when ‘our side’ held D.C.

Sorry, but it’s not until people realize they’re volunteers on the 2-party-plantation...I AM hopeful at seeing/hearing the angst and hate toward D.C. though; maybe it IS turning, finally.

[Arthur Wildfire! March]

Speaking of Establishment republicans, Joe Heck is a good example. Wants to be republican candidate for senate. He’s an utter RINO in almost every sense of the word. Hates Trump BTW.

I’ve been in a lively debate over Sharron Angle recently. She’s thinking about challenging Joe Heck for the senate primary.

I’m recommending a backhanded openly skittish support of her — not a ringing endorsement or shoe leather campaign, but until an anti-Heck comes along, her better than no one:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/3374505/posts