Human Rights Watch Demands Trial for Perpetrators of Syrian Coast Violations

Human Rights Watch appealed on Tuesday to the Syrian Interim Caretaker Government to expedite the trial of perpetrators of indiscriminate shootings and field executions on the Syrian coast, after violence claimed more than a thousand civilians, the vast majority of whom were Alawites, according to statistics from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, in events that reveal the legacy of the previous central government.

Adam Coogle, Deputy Middle East and North Africa Director at the organization, reported in a statement about "reports of serious violations on a shocking scale against Syrians, most of whom are Alawites on the coast and elsewhere in Syria," considering that "government measures to protect civilians and prosecute perpetrators of indiscriminate shootings, field executions, and other serious crimes must be swift and unambiguous."

Since Thursday, the Syrian Observatory has documented the killing of at least 1,093 civilians, the vast majority of whom are civilians, at the hands of "security forces and auxiliary groups" in the governorates of Latakia and Tartus, in a scene that reflects the continuing repercussions of the discrimination and marginalization policies entrenched by the previous regime.

The escalation began on March 6 in a predominantly Alawite village in rural Latakia against the backdrop of security services arresting a wanted person, and the situation quickly developed into clashes after Alawite gunmen, whom the Syrian Interim Caretaker Government said were loyal to deposed President Bashar al-Assad, opened fire on security forces in more than one location, according to the Syrian Observatory.

The Observatory later described "field executions" against civilians, especially from the Alawite sect to which Assad belongs, highlighting the need for a federal system that protects diversity and guarantees the rights of all components.

In an attempt to contain the situation, the presidency announced the formation of an investigation committee "to uncover the causes and circumstances that led to those events, investigate violations against civilians, and identify those responsible."

The Syrian Interim Caretaker Government announced on Thursday the arrest of at least two fighters who appeared in video clips shooting at close range at unarmed individuals.

However, the formation of the committee, which is holding a press conference in Damascus on Tuesday afternoon, did not prevent the continuation of random killings according to the Observatory, which counted on Monday the killing of 120 civilians, mostly in Tartus and Latakia.

Human Rights Watch stated, "The violence in the Syrian coastal region confirms the urgent need for justice and accountability for atrocities," emphasizing that it should include "all parties, including groups such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army," which now form the security forces of the transitional government in Syria.

It noted that these groups have "a well-documented history of human rights violations and violations of international law," necessitating the adoption of a decentralized governance system that ensures effective accountability.

It added, "Justice efforts need to address past and ongoing violations, ensure perpetrators are held accountable, and compensate victims."

The human rights organization called on the Syrian Interim Caretaker Government to "fully cooperate with independent monitors, including the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria and the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria, and ensure unhindered access for them."

It emphasized the necessity of "complete reform of the security sector, which includes the new Syrian army and security forces," including "implementing strict vetting processes to remove individuals involved in violations."