Top Turkish deputies seek to put US officials on trial for YPG/PYD terror support

Top officials from the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party have recommended that Turkey carries its concerns regarding U.S. support of Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)-affiliated People’s Protection Units (YPG) terrorists to an international platform. The deputies said that by proving that the U.S. provided the YPG/PYD with logistic support and arms supplies, the U.S. administration has committed crimes according to the American constitution, and that this may be the subject of litigation.

The AK Party deputies commented on the report by the Anti-Terror Intelligence Unit established in the White House published during Barack Obama’s term as president. The report emphasized the relationship between the PYD and the PKK, and officials point to the U.S. Constitution which states: "To support listed terrorist organizations is a constitutional crime."

The deputies claim that by referring to this report, Turkey may pursue litigation in line with the U.S. constitution. Sources have said that documents and photographs proving the U.S. weapons support and training of the YPG/PYD may be used.

Professor Dr. Adem Sözüer, Head of Department of Justice, Criminal and Criminal Procedure at Istanbul University’s Law Faculty, said: "The United States has engaged in direct terrorist support activities such as arming and training. This is contrary to the United Nations Security Council's 1371 (2001) and last year's unanimous 2370 (2017) resolution. The U.S. may be held responsible due to its torts liability. At this point the issue of application to the International Court of Justice may come into question. Sanctions and other such decisions cannot be taken against the United States and other countries with the right to veto at the UN Security Council. Turkey or any other country has the right to try another nation. For example, because of war crimes committed in the invasion of Iraq, the U.S. authorities of the period can be tried by the courts of other countries. Turkey may try U.S. officials for the weapons provided to the PKK/PYD.”

The U.S has supplied the YPG/PYD with more than 5,000 truckloads of weapons to allegedly use in the fight against Daesh, despite Ankara’s warnings that they are the Syrian offshoots of the PKK terror organization.

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the European Union and the United States. The PKK has been conducting armed violence in the southeastern part of Turkey since 1984. More than 40,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the three-decade long conflict.