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Surveillance Cameras Capture Kidnapping in Latakia and Amnesty International Calls for Urgent Investigation
Footage from surveillance cameras revealed that a masked armed group dressed in Syrian Public Security uniforms kidnapped Mr. Salah Osman, 70 years old, in front of his house in Al-Awqaf neighborhood in Latakia. It is noted that Mr. Salah is from the city of Al-Qardahah and belongs to the Alawite sect.
In a related context, Amnesty International today issued an urgent appeal to Syrian government institutions to intensify efforts to prevent the spread of gender-based violence, conduct thorough and impartial investigations into cases of women and girls from the Alawite sect being kidnapped, and hold those responsible accountable.
Since February 2025, the organization has received credible reports of the kidnapping of at least 36 Alawite women and girls, ranging in age from three to 40 years, from different regions including Latakia, Tartous, Homs, and Hama. Among these cases, the organization documented eight daytime abductions of five women and three girls under 18 years old. All but one case were characterized by police and security forces' failure to conduct effective investigations to determine the fate of the kidnapped women and girls and their locations of detention.
The organization pointed out that the authorities bear legal and moral responsibility to prevent gender-based violence and to bring perpetrators to justice. It emphasized that all women in Syria should live free from fear and persecution, and that investigations must be swift, transparent, led by independent investigators, and supported with all necessary resources. The organization also called for justice and compensation for the victims, considering that neglecting to do so constitutes a serious violation of human rights.
