Up to 5,000 fighters of the so-called Islamic State (IS) are currently held captive by Kurdish-headed forces in northeastern Syria. The number of fighters in captivity is constantly growing, as they either surrender or are arrested by the "Syrian Democratic Forces" (SDF). Many IS fighters are German or European citizens. Which country could admit these IS members or bring them to trial? If the international community fails to act adequately, but leaves the autonomous self-government in northern Syria to deal with the matter, the IS fighters could get away with impunity.

The Society for Threatened Peoples cordially invites you to a press conference
on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 from 11 am to about 12:30 pm
in the “Domzimmer” of the Haus der Evangelischen Kirchengemeinde Deutschland, Charlottenstraße 53/54, 10117 Berlin, room 1.

Rami Abdulrahman is the founder and director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). Since 2011, the SOHR collects and publishes news about the current developments regarding the conflict in Syria.

Abdulrahman will share the podium with Kamal Sido, Middle East expert of the Society for Threatened Peoples. Sido is in close contact with Kurdish activists in northern Syria, and he is involved as a German-Arabic translator.

Following their statements, you will be able to ask questions, take photos, and meet up for individual interviews. We would be grateful if you could announce requests in advance so that we can coordinate the appointments. You can reach us by email at presse@gfbv.de or by phone at +49 (0) 551 49906-21. If you have any questions, please contact Kamal Sido at +49 (0)173 – 67 33 980.

We are looking forward to your visit! Feel free to contact us at any time if you have any further questions or if you need more information about the topic.