Bastrykin at Hmeimim base listened to reports on probes into crimes against Russian servicemen in Syria
MOSCOW. Oct 19 (Interfax) - Russian Investigative Committee Chairman Alexander Bastrykin visited Syria and issued a series of instructions related to investigations into crimes committed against Russian soldiers there, agency spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko told Interfax on Friday.
"The chairman of the Russian Investigative Committee arrived at the Russian airbase in Hmeimim. He listened to investigators' reports concerning investigations into crimes committed against Russian servicemen in the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic. Bastrykin also gave instructions and recommendations regarding concrete criminal cases," she said.
Bastrykin noted Investigative Committee detectives' professionalism and coordination while carrying out probes and taking other procedural measures in Syria, including in districts plagued by tension, Petrenko said.
"A working conference with the command of the Russian Armed Forces' group of forces in Syria was held. The participants discussed the current situation in the region, including in governorates not yet under the control of Syrian government forces," Petrenko said.
Bastrykin thanked the group of forces' command for assisting in investigators' work and ensuring their security at the base, as well as when they have to travel to other sites and work in areas where Russian forces are not present, she said.
"The committee chairman also held talks with head of Syria's National Security Bureau, Ali Mamlouk, and Justice Minister of Syria Hisham al-Shaar in Damascus," Petrenko said.
The sides agreed that it is necessary to strengthen and develop contacts between Russian and Syrian law enforcement agencies to facilitate investigations into terrorism-related crimes," sharing the fundamental position that all persons involved in unlawful actions must be prosecuted and must face appropriate and fair punishment," she said.
"[Bastrykin] and the justice minister of Syria discussed the implementation of the agreement on cooperation signed by the Russian Investigative Committee and the Justice Ministry of Syria in Damascus in March 2018. The sides commented on the positive trends in cooperation," Petrenko said.
Bastrykin also met with Russian Ambassador in Damascus Alexander Kinshchak and the diplomatic mission's staff.