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Alawite Religious Authority Criticizes the Investigation Committee and Calls for a Federal System Inclusive of All Syrian Components
The "Religious Authority of the Alawite Sect in Syria," represented by Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal, issued sharp criticism against the committee investigating violations in the Syrian coast, accusing it of "bias and whitewashing crimes." The Authority called for the adoption of "a federal political system that ensures equal representation for all Syrian components."
In a filmed statement, Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal emphasized that "the Authority refuses to recognize the investigation committee or its results," accusing it of being "a tool to justify violence and cover up the perpetrators." He also called for the formation of "independent international investigation committees to review violations committed against civilians," considering that the claims about remnants of the ousted regime are "fabricated excuses."
The statement blamed what it called the "terrorist system" for attempts to dismantle Syrian society, claiming that it uses religion to justify violence. It asserted that the fate of the Alawite sect is inextricably linked to Syria's fate. The Authority called for establishing a "decentralized or federal system based on a consensual constitution," stressing that a just political solution is the only way to end the suffering of Syrians.
The statement also demanded the release of detainees and accountability for those responsible for "crimes and massacres," urging the international community to act and pressure for a comprehensive political settlement to end the crisis. It warned that continuing the current situation "will lead to complete collapse and threaten the unity of Syrian territory," affirming that "adherence to national constants, unity of voice, and patience" remains the best option.
The latest report by the fact-finding committee revealed that remnants of the Assad regime launched a series of coordinated attacks on March 6, targeting security and military sites, resulting in the death of 238 members of the army and security forces, some of whom were executed while prisoners or wounded. The report also documented the destruction of six hospitals, targeting civilians on roads, cutting off main roads, in an effort to seize control of the coast regions and detach them from the rest of Syria.
It pointed out that the government responded by sending regular forces and popular factions to regain control, but the counterattack involved violations, especially on March 7, 8, and 9, with the committee recording 1,426 fatalities, most of whom were civilians, including 90 women. The committee also suggested that many victims may have died after the battles ended due to random or retaliatory sweep campaigns carried out by groups not adhering to military orders.
