UN accuses Damascus of “extermination” of prisonersFebruary 8, 2016 - 18:16 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - UN investigators on Monday, February 8 accused Damascus of "extermination" in its jails and detention centers, saying prisoners were executed, tortured to death or held in such horrific conditions that they perished, AFP reports. Over the past four-and-a-half years, thousands of detainees have been killed while being held by different sides in Syria's brutal conflict, the UN commission of inquiry on Syria said in its latest report. The report painted a stark picture of prisons and detention centers run by the Syrian authorities. "It is apparent that the government authorities administering prisons and detention centers were aware that deaths on a massive scale were occurring," the report said, according to AFP. It accused Damascus of committing "extermination as a crime against humanity." The Syrian government was also guilty of committing a range of other “war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, rape, torture and enforced disappearance,” the investigators said. The report, which stretches back to the beginning of the conflict in March 2011 and through last November, is based on 621 interviews, including with more than 200 former detainees who witnessed one or more deaths in custody. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Armenian, Saudi Foreign Minister meet in Riyadh The two commended the positive dynamics of the development of political dialogue between Armenia and Saudi Arabia |