Turkish legal officials say families of martyrs who were killed by terrorist organizations supported by Brett McGurk can open a case against him
Daesh terrorists in Syria’s Raqqa who were evacuated by the U.S., and Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK) alliance in accordance with the policies of Brett McGurk, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter Daesh have been transported to safety points. McGurk, who provides both weapons and logistical support to two terrorist organizations operating under U.S. guidance, has also targeted victims of terror in Turkey. Victims of the U.S.’s terror support to the PKK say that if legal support is provided, they will use all their legal rights.
A BBC report titled “Raqqa’s dirty secret” exposed a secret deal with the U.S.-PKK that enabled hundreds of Daesh terrorists to flee Syria’s Raqqa.
Hundreds have been martyred in both Turkey and Syria as a result of the weapons and logistic support of McGurk to the PKK and his policies that opened the region to Daesh. Allegedly, terrorists who were involved in bombings in Turkey and are responsible for over 300 deaths were among the terrorists evacuated from Raqqa. Legal sanctions against the countries who aid PKK terrorists and those who actively take part in this assistance are being considered.
Legal professionals reacting to the evacuation of terrorists described the situation as “not only Turkey’s problem but also the problem of the whole world,” and added that McGurk could be tried by the Turkish judiciary. Those who are not a part of the terror organization’s hierarchy but knowingly and willingly aid the organization can be punished as an organization member according to the Turkish Criminal Code. This is applicable even if the offense is committed outside Turkish borders by foreigners. Turkey has the right to take the matter to the UN.
Families of martyrs say they are ready to sue McGurk for supporting the PKK and financing the terror organization if the authorities are back them.
“I sacrificed my father for the sake of the nation. I could open a case against McGurk, who supports the PKK’s treacherous attacks and finances them, so long as the state supports me. If documents proving he is supporting the PKK are provided, I am willing to sue him,” said Mehmet Güner, head of the Association of Martyrs' Aid, Social Cultural and Solidarity Association.
"Whoever is guilty should be brought to court with the necessary documents. We, as the families of martyrs, expect support from the authorities and we want them to stand behind us,” he added.
Since the PKK launched its terror campaign in Turkey in 1984, tens of thousands of people have been killed, including more than 1,200 since July 2015 alone.
According to the Turkish Criminal Code, an investigation may be launched against persons who helped kidnap people, said Cavit Tatlı, the chairman of the Lawyers Association.
"Prosecutors should initiate an investigation. Turkey has the right to take initiative with the UN. The evacuation of these people is not only a problem for Turkey, but also a problem for the whole world. These dangerous people may conduct attacks, and Turkey may prevent the evacuation of terrorists elsewhere if it instigates a UN investigation. If you are a strong country like the U.S., you can barter with terrorists and nobody will say anything. But if Turkey, which is the country fighting the most against Daesh, they will portray you as protecting Daesh. Turkey has to use all of its legal rights to prevent this,” Tatlı said.
Lawyer Cüneyt Toraman said that it is possible to sue those who support terrorist organizations in international law.
"We have the right to file lawsuits against those who support terrorist organizations. According to our laws, we cannot sue a state but we can sue individuals. With the evidence and documents we have, we can open a compensation case for the families of martyrs,” Toraman said.
