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On Sectarian Targeting: Observatory Director Warns of the Consequences of Impunity
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The continued targeting of civilians based on their sectarian affiliation reveals the deep tragedy of the Syrian conflict and the spread of extremist rhetoric that legitimizes violence against those w
The Director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stressed the need to hold accountable all those involved in targeting members of the Alawite sect, Chechens, Turkestanis, and extremist Arabs, warning that impunity will lead to a true catastrophe for the Syrian people.
These statements reflect genuine concerns about the continuation of the cycle of violence in Syria, especially with the widespread incitement and hate speech against various community groups.
Hate Speech Extends to Syrian Communities Abroad
The Observatory director recounted a personal incident in Coventry, UK, where he resides. A friend accused him of being Alawite after hearing him discuss violations in the Syrian coast, labeling him a "kafir" (infidel) and permitting his blood. Shockingly, this same individual had once written a poem calling for "turning the Alawite mountains into a river of blood."
This incident highlights the alarming reach of sectarian hate speech among Syrians abroad, complicating efforts for social recovery and reconciliation.
He strongly condemned such rhetoric, saying:
"What humanity are we even talking about when these extremists in Europe legitimize targeting people simply because of their sectarian identity, not because they support the regime?"
This statement underscores how the political conflict in Syria has morphed into an identity-based conflict, where civilians are targeted based on their sect rather than their political stance.
Systematic Targeting of Civilians
He further explained:
"If those who were killed were regime supporters, we could say it was part of a battle. But this is something else entirely."
This clarifies the fundamental distinction between combat-related killings and the systematic targeting of civilians based on identity.
Previously, the Syrian Observatory published a report on the burning of the body of the former director of the Commercial Bank in Baniyas, along with the bodies of his two sons and two neighbors, after they were targeted.
This documentation exposes a pattern of grave violations across Syria, necessitating independent and transparent investigations.
Threats and the Need for Justice
The Observatory director revealed that his organization has received threats to silence its reports on violations in the Syrian coast. He warned:
"What happened is no different from the atrocities in Sinjar. If not for international intervention and honest media coverage, we would have seen a mass targeting of tens of thousands of Alawites at the hands of these extremists."
He also named an individual known as Abu Dujana, of Turkestani origin, stating:
"He is celebrated by many, yet he participated in the targeting of an entire family in Baniyas and carried out other killings in the Syrian coast."
The director concluded by emphasizing:
"Those involved must be brought to justice, or there will be no place for Syria in the future."
This final statement reinforces the necessity of accountability as a fundamental condition for rebuilding Syria and restoring coexistence among its people.
