The Turkish state forces have used banned chemical weapons in the invasion of Northern and Eastern Syria. While the German government has so far turned a blind eye to this, German Left Party (DIE LINKE) MP Ulla Jelpke asked the government if an investigation would be launched against Turkey on the matter.

Answering Jelpke, the German government explained that it was aware of reports about the use of phosphorus bomb only through the media but did not have the authority to investigate it. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is responsible to investigate the claims, said the answer and noted that OPCW took the decision not to investigate the use of chemical weapons without the influence of the German government.

Jelpke sharply criticized the OPCW for having “double standards”, saying: “When Syrian government troops were suspected of having used chemical weapons, the OPCW was quick to act. But when children burned by phosphorus bombs of the NATO state Turkey show their wounds, an investigation of these incidents is refused. Chemical warfare agents are banned internationally. I therefore expect the Federal Government, which has a permanent representation to the OPCW, to work with this organisation to clarify the allegations against Turkey. War crimes should be prosecuted - not even NATO partners should be turned a blind eye. The criminal cohort with dictator Erdogan must finally be stopped.”

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