Although rebels in Syria deny responsibility of attacks on Shia communities, recent human rights violations in the area are suggesting the opposite.
Shia Right Watch has been informed by its connections in Syria that Shia Muslims of the Hatla, Dayr Az Zawr area are under more pressure, especially after the recent events in Qusayr. There are more than 300 Shia Muslims families in the area and they constantly face the threat of murder, captivity and kidnappings.
Last week the wife and two sons of the Syed Ibrahim, a respected cleric of Hatla, were killed. His 15 year old daughter was then kidnapped with no signs as to her whereabouts.
Furthermore, more and more Islamic centers and mosques are being burned down in the area as the result of the anger toward pro government forces. Many women have been kidnapped and men and children have been killed and their bodies were dumped in the trash or in holes outside of the area. Not long ago a Syrian human rights organization located in London reported 300 women and children are missing from Shia populated cities such as Daraa, Idlib and Fou’a.
Shia Muslims of Hatla have contacted SRW asking for immediate help. SRW has previously contacted rebel representatives in the U.S. asking them to stop attacks on Shia civilians. The representatives stated that rebels are not involved in the Shia targeted killings in Syria. However, every time the Syrian pro-government forces gain a victory; Shia families are attacked in retaliation in Shia populated areas, even though they are not for or against any specific political group.
SRW does not favor any group in the Syria, however it does believe that the rights of all minorities, including Shia Muslims who are not affiliated with Syrian government, must be respected.
No opposition group has the right to enact revenge on Shia Muslims just because the Syrian government is known to be Alawite.
Shia Muslims are not affiliated with any political group and they should be respected and protected under the International Bill of Human Rights.
