Russia and China ignore torture in Syria

In a report published on Tuesday the organisation Human Rights Watch has accused Syria's leadership under President Bashar al-Assad of systematic torture. Europe's sanctions will be ineffectual as long as Russia and China refuse to turn their back on Assad, writes the left-liberal daily De Morgen: "As Europeans we could accuse ourselves of taking little interest in the Syrians' fate. And to a certain extent that's correct. ... On the other hand it's also true that the EU has exhausted practically all the means at its disposal for exerting pressure on the Assad regime. Europe's many sanctions have been in place for months, and preclude any military, financial or economic support. If Europe had its way the regime would already be out of alternatives. The problem remains China and Russia. Above all Moscow continues to act like an ally to Assad. Two weeks ago the Russians were still trying to transport combat helicopters to Syria. ... The time has yet to come when Putin et al take a shocking human rights report seriously and act accordingly."

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