UN rights chief Navi Pillay says there is evidence that implicates Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and members of his government in war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Pillay said Monday a UN probe into rights violations committed during the 33 months of the Syrian conflict has produced "massive evidence" of crimes against humanity.
"The evidence indicates responsibility at the highest level of government, including the head of state," she added.
It marks the first time a UN-mandated commission has directly implicated Syria's leadership in crimes committed during the Syrian conflict.
However, a list of suspects the commission has collected remains sealed until any formal prosecution starts.
Pillay also criticized groups fighting against the Syrian government, saying, "The scale of viciousness of the abuses being perpetrated by elements on both sides almost defies belief."
Pillay said Monday a UN probe into rights violations committed during the 33 months of the Syrian conflict has produced "massive evidence" of crimes against humanity.
"The evidence indicates responsibility at the highest level of government, including the head of state," she added.
It marks the first time a UN-mandated commission has directly implicated Syria's leadership in crimes committed during the Syrian conflict.
However, a list of suspects the commission has collected remains sealed until any formal prosecution starts.
Pillay also criticized groups fighting against the Syrian government, saying, "The scale of viciousness of the abuses being perpetrated by elements on both sides almost defies belief."