Hmeimim Group leader: Amnesty in Syria should be only for those not involved in bloodshed

The Hmeimim Group of the Syrian opposition was formed in early March, 2016 in Latakia

GENEVA, March 21. /TASS/. Amnesty in Syria should be applicable only for those, whose illegal deeds are not related to the bloodshed, head of the so-called Hmeimim Group of the Syrian secular opposition Ilian Masaad told TASS on Monday.

TASS asked him whether it would be correct to have court procedures to punish those responsible for crimes during the five-year conflict in Syria.

"This is impossible to forget, justice should be involved here," Masaad said. "This cannot be left for the "God’s justice."

"If somebody committed crimes not related to the bloodshed, those people should enjoy amnesty, like it was done in South Africa," he continued. "As for grave crimes, court procedures would be necessary."

On March 18, the Hmeimim Group presented its suggestions to the UN special envoy on Syria Staffan de Mistura. The document included ideas on Syria’s future - establishment of a secular, democratic, de-centralized country with the presidential-parliamentary political system.

The delegation leader said now the group of 15 people considers organization of a special negotiating team of five people for further meetings with the UN envoy.

The Hmeimim Group of the Syrian opposition was formed in early March, 2016 in Latakia. Russia’s Ambassador to the UN and other international representations in Geneva Alexey Borodavkin said the Group’s suggestions seem constructive, and de Mistura’s team should consider them.

Ilian Masaad, Doctor of Law and Secretary General of the National Conference Party, is advocating a single secular state. Masaad is a democratic activist and an official representative of the Syrian National Working Party.