UK imposes sanctions on Syrian individuals
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – On the International Day to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, the UK imposed sanctions on two Syrian figures for their responsibility in conflict-related sexual violence. This shows the UK’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for atrocities committed during the Syrian conflict.
The UK said, in a press release, that perpetrators of sexual violence in Syria will be subject to asset freezes and travel bans.
Lord Tariq Ahmad, the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, announced that the sanctions send a clear message of solidarity with survivors and condemnation of these illegal acts.
These sanctions targeted the Syrian Army Chief and Minister of Defense, Ali Mahmoud Abbas, who authorized sexual and gender-based violence, including systematic rape of civilians, as well as, Abdel Karim Mahmoud Ibrahim, the Chief of the General Staff of the Syrian Army and Armed Forces who has been involved in the repression of the Syrian population through commanding military forces where there has been systematic use of rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence.
An asset freeze prevents any UK citizen, or any business in the UK, from dealing with any funds or economic resources which are owned, held or controlled by the designated person.
A travel ban means that the designated person is refused leave to enter or to remain in the UK.
In April, the European Union (EU) added 25 new individuals and eight entities on the Syria sanctions list, including members of President Bashar al-Assad’s family, accusing them of drug making and trafficking.