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Syrian Activist Abducted in As-Suwayda After Being Summoned Over Facebook Posts
As-Suwayda — Local platforms reported that Syrian activist Saif Hatem, known as "Abu Majd," was abducted on Monday, August 3, by unidentified assailants after being summoned days earlier over posts he published on Facebook criticizing conditions in the governorate.
Multiple sources said a white van intercepted Hatem’s route in the city and forced him into the vehicle before driving off to an unknown location. Local sources urged the police command to assume full responsibility for the detainee’s safety, ensure his return home, and arrest those involved, warning that the incident may be used to impose armed control over the city and its residents.
As-Suwayda 24 reported that Hatem had been summoned by a locally run police body that demanded he delete his posts and publish a contrary statement at the request of "higher authorities," which he refused. Hatem said his posts fall within freedom of expression and call for accountability for those responsible for the economic and security conditions in As-Suwayda. He regularly posts criticism of the province’s political, military, and service conditions, referring to what he describes as "senior leadership in As-Suwayda."
At the time of reporting, the perpetrators remained unconfirmed officially, though there were repeated suggestions that elements affiliated with the National Guard, which has a military presence in the area, may be involved. The abduction comes amid ongoing security tensions in As-Suwayda, which has seen recurring kidnappings and killings and is overseen locally by an administrative council in Jabal Bashan under the spiritual leadership of Druze figure Hakamt al-Hajri.
