Source · Select Committees · Human Rights (Joint Committee)
Recommendation 17
17
Rejected
The Government should undertake every effort to prosecute British individuals held in camps in NES...
Recommendation
The Government should undertake every effort to prosecute British individuals held in camps in NES where there is evidence that they were involved in Daesh crimes. (Recommendation, Paragraph 98) 34
Government Response Summary
The government rejects undertaking prosecution efforts for British individuals held in NES camps, citing that responsibility lies with local authorities and that significant practical and operational constraints exist for UK law enforcement in Syria.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
25. The responsibility for detention and camp facilities in North-East Syria and the welfare, detention, transfer or prosecution of detainees is ultimately a matter for authorities under whose jurisdiction the individuals are detained. The committee will also appreciate the significant practical and operational constraints UK law enforcement authorities would face in pursuing an investigation or gathering evidence in Syria. 26. With respect to prosecutions of British individuals who travelled to Syria and Iraq to align with Daesh but have since returned to the UK; the decision to prosecute is for the independent CPS, and where allegations have been reported to the police and the Full Code Test is met to prosecute, the appropriate charges will be applied. As we have made clear above, everyone who returns from taking part in the conflict in Syria or Iraq must expect to be investigated by the police to determine if they have committed criminal offences, and to ensure that they do not pose a threat to our national security.