Responding to reported comments from the prime minister David Cameron on a possible “exit plan” deal for the Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, Amnesty International UK Syria campaign manager Kristyan Benedict said:

“Instead of talking about immunity deals for President Assad, David Cameron should be supporting efforts to ensure that he faces justice, ideally at the International Criminal Court at The Hague.

“After Syrian government forces have indulged in a massive campaign of indiscriminate bombings, mass round-ups and torture, there should be no question of Bashar al-Assad escaping justice with a cosy deal of this kind.

“The thousands of Syrians who have lost relatives are entitled to and deserve credible justice, and President Assad and his commanders must be held to account for their brutal actions. Mr Cameron should use all of his influence to ensure that this happens.”