Statements of Krauanagazan Government Officials and Offices

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Zhirveniayya Temipre te Kallzhir Uvenital

Federal Human Rights Commission
Office of Criminal Investigations and Justice

Federal Human Rights Commission Findings on Pohnarras Island

Date: May 31, 2024

Introduction

The primary objective of the OCIJ investigation on Pohnarras Island was to determine the veracity and extent of allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The scope of this OCIJ investigation was limited to Pohnarras Island and the surrounding waters, focusing on incidents that occurred between February 22, 2024, and May 8, 2024. The investigation concentrated on the regions of Arrasos, K’larain, Bataklasos, Tagara, Tanagra, and Parnasos.

Executive Summary

The OCIJ found multiple violations of international humanitarian and conflict law by various parties, including Red K (RK), the Messengers of Tallaz (MOT), the Zuhlgani Air Force, and the Kevpríg Provincial Militia.

Key findings include:

  • Massacres of ethnically Mitalldukish citizens by MOT militants in Tagara, Tanagra, and Parnasos.
  • Killing of detained militants by Kevpríg Provincial Militia in Parnasos and Arrasos.
  • An airstrike in K’larain by the Zuhlgani Air Force that killed seven noncombatants and injured ten others.
  • Arbitrary executions of individuals who refused to identify Mitalldukish neighbors by RK and MOT in Bataklasos, Tagara, Tanagra, and Parnasos.
  • Prolific arson attacks by RK and MOT in Bataklasos.

Methodology

  1. Evidence Collection:

  • Interviews: Conducted interviews with survivors, witnesses, and local officials.

  • Document Analysis: Reviewed medical records, death certificates, and official reports.

  • Field Visits: Visited affected areas to gather physical evidence and assess the extent of damage.

  1. Evidence Analysis:

  • Cross-referenced testimonies with physical evidence and documented reports.

  • Collaborated with forensic experts to analyze injury patterns and causes of death.

  1. Challenges and Limitations:

  • Intimidation of witnesses by militant groups hampered comprehensive testimony collection.

  • Lack of cooperation from Zuhlgani authorities.

Findings

1. War Crimes:

  1. Massacres of Ethnically Mitalldukish Citizens:

  • Tagara: In Tagara, the investigators documented a series of coordinated attacks by MOT militants, resulting in the deaths of at least 85 Mitalldukish civilians. Eyewitness accounts and forensic evidence confirmed the systematic targeting of this ethnic group.

  • Tanagra: In Tanagra, 67 Mitalldukish civilians were killed in a massacre by MOT militants. Survivors recounted that militants used small arms and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to carry out these attacks inside homes and in the streets.

  • Parnasos: In Parnasos, 53 Mitalldukish civilians were confirmed killed. Forensic analysis corroborated reports of executions, with many victims found with gunshot wounds to the head and signs of torture.

  1. Executions by Kevpríg Provincial Militia:

  • Parnasos: In Parnasos, the Kevpríg Provincial Militia was found to have executed 24 detained militants. Witnesses described how detainees were taken from holding cells and shot at close range.

  • Arrasos: In Arrasos, the Kevpríg Provincial Militia executed 15 detained militants. Testimonies indicated that the executions were carried out without any judicial process, and bodies were disposed of in mass graves that were excavated by investigators.

  1. Airstrike by Zuhlgani Air Force:
  • K’larain: An airstrike in K’larain by the Zuhlgani Air Force resulted in the deaths of seven (7) noncombatants and injuries to ten (10) others. Investigations revealed that it is probable that the Zuhlgani Air Force was aware they were conducting a bombing of a civilian area. Forensic evidence collected at the site was consistent with Zuhlgani aerial munitions.

2. Crimes Against Humanity:

  1. Arbitrary Executions:

  • Bataklasos: RK and MOT militants executed individuals who refused to identify Mitalldukish neighbors. Witnesses recounted seeing militants go door-to-door, demanding information and executing those who refused to comply. At least 30 civilians were confirmed to have been killed in these executions.

  • Tagara, Tanagra, Parnasos: Similar patterns of arbitrary executions were documented in these regions. In total, 94 civilians were executed across these areas for their refusal to cooperate with RK and MOT militants.

  1. Arson Attacks:
  • Bataklasos: RK and MOT militants carried out widespread arson attacks, destroying homes, schools, and hospitals. Investigators found evidence of incendiary devices used to start fires, which led to the destruction of approximately 200 buildings and the displacement of over 2,000 residents. At least 137 individuals are confirmed to have been killed in the flames, a majority of which remain unidentified at this time.

3. Impact on Civilians:

  • Survivor Testimonies: Collected detailed accounts from survivors and witnesses, highlighting the traumatic impact on civilians.

  • Humanitarian Crisis: Noted severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies in affected areas due to the conflict.

Legal Analysis

These acts constitute gross violations of the Grovne Convention and additional protocols. These acts, too, are breaches of national criminal statutes related to murder, arson, torture, and unlawful detention.

Identified individuals and groups responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity must be held accountable through legal action in national and international courts. To such effect, the OCIJ recommends the following individuals be charged by the relevant authorities:

  1. Alkan Rasha (Red K Pohnarras Leader):
  • Charges: War crimes, crimes against humanity, murder, torture, arson, and unlawful detention.
  • Details: Alkan Rasha is alleged to have orchestrated and overseen the arbitrary executions and arson attacks carried out by Red K militants in Bataklasos, Tagara, Tanagra, and Parnasos.
  1. Aarin Talov (Messengers of Tallaz Commander):
  • Charges: War crimes, crimes against humanity, murder, torture, and arson.
  • Details: Jarin Talov is implicated in the massacres of ethnically Mitalldukish citizens in Tagara, Tanagra, and Parnasos, and for directing MOT militants in carrying out arbitrary executions and arson attacks.
  1. Colonel Eran Zulet (Zuhlgani Air Force):
  • Charges: War crimes, murder.
  • Details: Colonel Eran Zulet authorized and executed the airstrike in K’larain that resulted in the deaths of seven noncombatants and injuries to ten others, violating international humanitarian law by targeting a civilian area.
  1. Captain Irana Vesh (Kevpríg Provincial Militia):
  • Charges: War crimes, crimes against humanity, murder, and torture.
  • Details: Captain Irana Vesh is accused of ordering and participating in the executions of detained militants in Parnasos and Arrasos, as well as engaging in acts of torture.
  1. Second Lieutenant Harik Zhin (Kevpríg Provincial Militia):
  • Charges: War crimes, crimes against humanity, murder, and torture.
  • Details: Second Lieutenant Zhin, leader of the Kevpríg Provincial Militia First Battalion, Second Company, Third Platoon, is implicated in the unlawful execution of detained militants and the torture of prisoners of war in Parnasos and Arrasos.
  1. Lieutenant Rako Timar (Red K):
  • Charges: War crimes, crimes against humanity, murder, and arson.
  • Details: Lieutenant Rako Timar is accused of leading Red K units in carrying out arson attacks and arbitrary executions in Bataklasos, resulting in significant civilian casualties and property destruction.
  1. Lieutenant Faran Dekar (Messengers of Tallaz):
  • Charges: War crimes, crimes against humanity, murder, and torture.
  • Details: Major Faran Dekar played a key role in the massacres in Tanagra and Parnasos and is implicated in the systematic targeting of Mitalldukish civilians and the use of torture.

It is the OCIJ’s view that prosecuting offenders under national laws where feasible should take precedence. However, in some high-profile cases, referrals to international criminal courts may be in order. The following cases are recommended for international prosecution due to their severity and/or the need for impartial adjudication:

  • Alkan Rasha and Jarin Talov for orchestrating and executing widespread atrocities.

  • Colonel Eran Zulet for the unauthorized and indiscriminate airstrike resulting in civilian casualties.

Recommendations

The OCIJ has notified the appropriate National and International authorities
regarding our findings in the investigation on Pohnarras Island. It is the view of the OCIJ that these cases be treated with the utmost urgency and gravity due to the severe nature of the crimes committed. The following recommendations are made to ensure justice is served:

1. Legal Actions:

  1. The OCIJ recommends that the Krauanagazan government immediately initiate criminal proceedings against the identified individuals, leveraging national laws that address war crimes, crimes against humanity, murder, arson, torture, and unlawful detention. It is crucial for the national judicial system to work in close collaboration with the OCIJ to gather and present irrefutable evidence, ensuring that the trials are conducted transparently and adhere to the highest standards of justice.

  2. For cases involving high-profile suspects and where national prosecution may face limitations, the OCIJ advocates for referrals to the International Court (IC). This includes suspects like Alkan Rasha and Aarin Talov, whose actions have had a widespread and devastating impact on civilian populations. The OCIJ will provide comprehensive dossiers of evidence to the IC to support these prosecutions and facilitate international cooperation in apprehending and trying the accused.

  3. In instances where suspects have fled or are residing in foreign territories, the OCIJ recommends the Krauanagazan government issue formal extradition requests.

  4. The OCIJ advises the establishment of robust witness protection programs to safeguard the testimony of survivors and witnesses who can provide critical evidence against the accused. Ensuring their safety and anonymity is paramount to securing reliable and comprehensive testimonies.

2. Policy Changes:

  1. The OCIJ recommends regular training and sensitization programs for military and law enforcement personnel on international humanitarian law and human rights standards should be instituted to prevent abuses.

  2. The OCIJ strongly recommends establishing independent monitoring bodies to oversee military and police operations in conflict-prone areas to aid in early detection and prevention of potential human rights violations. These bodies should have the authority to investigate and report on any suspected misconduct promptly. In addition to this, the OCIJ recommends the creation of a comprehensive reporting system for civilians and military personnel to anonymously report potential war crimes and human rights abuses.

  3. It is the OCIJ’s view that launching nationwide campaigns to educate the public about their rights and the importance of reporting war crimes and human rights abuses can foster a culture of accountability and vigilance. These campaigns should be designed to reach diverse populations, including those in remote and conflict-affected areas, using various media platforms, and in all relevant languages. Particularly, Lupritalic, Federation Standard, Austral, Mitalldukish, Zul, and Krautalic.

  4. The OCIJ suggests integrating international humanitarian law and human rights education into school and university curricula to help in building a well-informed citizenry that values and upholds these principles. In the same vein, the OCIJ suggests specialized training programs for legal professionals, government officials, and security forces on handling war crimes and crimes against humanity should also be developed.


The OCIJ strongly believes that these recommendations, if implemented, will significantly contribute to achieving justice for the victims of the Pohnarras Island atrocities and will help prevent future occurrences. We urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and decisively in response to our findings.

Conclusion

The investigation conducted by the OCIJ on Pohnarras Island has revealed grave and systematic violations of human rights, including war crimes and crimes against humanity. These atrocities, perpetrated by multiple parties, have caused profound suffering and loss among the civilian population, particularly the ethnically Mitalldukish community.

Immediate and decisive legal action is imperative to hold the perpetrators accountable and to deliver justice to the victims. The OCIJ’s findings underscore the necessity of both national and international judicial processes to address these heinous acts comprehensively. The recommended prosecutions and policy changes are essential steps toward ensuring accountability, preventing future violations, and fostering a culture of respect for human rights and international humanitarian law.

The OCIJ remains committed to supporting the Krauanagazan government and international bodies in their efforts to prosecute offenders, protect witnesses, and provide humanitarian aid to those affected by these crimes. Continued monitoring and advocacy are crucial to ensure that justice is served and that the rights and dignity of all individuals are upheld.

The Federal Human Rights Commission calls on the relevant authorities to act swiftly on these recommendations, ensuring that the atrocities committed on Pohnarras Island do not go unpunished and that effective measures are put in place to prevent such violations in the future. Through concerted efforts and unwavering commitment, we can achieve justice and contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region.

Signed,

Zhirveniayya Temipre te Kallzhir Uvenital
High Commissioner for Human Rights
Elowen Serak

Zhirveniayya Temipre te Kallzhir Uvenital
Deputy Commissioner for Investigations and Justice
Kiers Vayaz

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