Washington, D.C. Shia Rights Watch condemns the Syrian authorities’ unjustified detention and deportation of a group of Kuwaiti pilgrims traveling to Syria to visit the holy shrine of Lady Zainab (peace be upon her).
On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, a Syrian Arab Airlines flight departed from Kuwait Airport to Damascus carrying twenty Kuwaiti visitors intending to perform religious visitation (Ziyara) at the shrine of Lady Zainab. Upon arrival at Damascus International Airport, Syrian authorities prevented the passengers from leaving the airport, confiscated their passports, and ordered them to remain seated pending a “security review,” claiming that the group’s religious nature required special approval.
The pilgrims remained detained at the airport overnight until the morning of Wednesday, October 29, when Syrian officials decided to deport them on the first flight back to Kuwait. The group arrived safely in Kuwait, where local authorities received them and documented their statements and complaints. Kuwaiti officials expressed their concern and disapproval regarding the Syrian authorities’ actions toward their citizens.
Shia Rights Watch considers this incident a clear violation of the right to freedom of religion and belief, as guaranteed under international human rights law. Preventing pilgrims from peacefully visiting a recognized religious site represents an unacceptable restriction on religious practice and an act of discrimination based on religious identity.
Shia Rights Watch calls on the Syrian government to respect the rights of all religious visitors, regardless of sectarian affiliation, and to ensure that access to holy sites remains open and protected. The organization also urges the international community, including the Kuwaiti government and human rights bodies, to demand accountability and safeguards against future violations of this nature.
Shia Rights Watch reaffirms its unwavering commitment to defending the freedom of worship and calls for immediate measures to protect religious pilgrims from harassment or discrimination at international borders.