Opposition Groups Mirroring Assad Abuses

Syrian opposition groups have begun using abuses like those employed by President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, including abductions, torture, and summary killings, according to a new report from Amnesty International. The report—based on 70 interviews—contends the abuses were committed by five armed groups, including those backed by the U.S. “While some civilians in areas controlled by armed opposition groups may at first have welcomed an escape from brutal Syrian government rule, hopes that these armed groups would respect rights have faded as they have increasingly taken the law into their own hands and committed serious abuses,” said Philip Luther, director of Amnesty’s Middle East program.