International Court of Justice opens hearings on state-sponsored torture in Syria

The International Court of Justice in The Hague has opened the torture case brought by the Netherlands and Canada against Syria. The two countries believe there is sufficient evidence to prosecute Syria for the torture and inhumane treatment of civilians. The International Court of Justice of the United Nations deals with legal disputes between countries.

The prosecutor, speaking on behalf of the Netherlands and Canada, said that since 2011 Syria had tortured, killed, assaulted and disappeared people and used chemical weapons on a large scale. As a result, Syria is allegedly guilty of violating the UN Convention against Torture. According to documents provided by the two countries, detainees have been beaten with all kinds of objects, subjected to electric shocks, had their nails and teeth pulled out and been subjected to mock executions.

The Syrian government was absent on the first day of the session, which took place on October 10. During the two-day opening session, the Netherlands and Canada will ask the judges to order Syria to stop torture immediately. It is expected to take years to reach a verdict. A ruling is mandatory, but is not always obeyed. During the hearing, opponents of the regime gathered outside the building.