France has condemned recent violence in Syria targeting civilians, particularly the Alawite community, leading to over 500 deaths. The French foreign ministry called for independent investigations into these acts. This violence follows the rise of the rebel coalition Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, which purportedly pledged to protect minorities.
On Saturday, France condemned the violence in Syria directed at civilians based on their faith. Reports indicate the deaths of over 500 Alawite individuals amidst this unrest. A statement from the French foreign ministry called for the new Syrian authorities to facilitate independent investigations into these acts of violence, pushing for accountability for the responsible parties.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that at least 532 Alawite civilians were killed due to actions taken by security forces and affiliated groups. The Alawites, a minority religious group, were notably linked to the former president Bashar Assad, who is no longer in power.
This surge of violence has emerged since a coalition of rebels, primarily the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), took control in December. HTS had previously promised to safeguard the rights of Syria’s diverse religious and ethnic communities despite the recent hostilities directed toward the Alawite sect.
France’s condemnation emphasizes the need for accountability in Syria amidst allegations of civilian targeting based on religion. The reported deaths of numerous Alawites signal a troubling escalation in violence following the rise of HTS. A call for independent investigations highlights international concerns about human rights protections in the ongoing conflict.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
