International observers and independent agencies have witnessed severe religious freedom violations in Northeastern Syria which are directed by the Turkish government, said the Vice Chair of U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Nadine Maenza on Wednesday during a video call with Ahval.

Maenza was appointed to the position by the President of the United States in 2018, and talked to Ahval following a virtual panel organised by the commission earlier in the day. "We have seen when Turkey invaded Syria[n territories]," they "take away religious freedom" and "imposed harsh conditions," the Vice Chair Maenza who has been appointed by the U.S. President Donald J. Trump said, adding that these claims documented by some of panelists spoke at a virtual hearing.