Public Outcry Over Security Forces' Assault on Activist Abdulrahman Kahil in Homs
May 5, 2025, 10:47 am

Public Outcry Over Security Forces' Assault on Activist Abdulrahman Kahil in Homs

عبد الرحمن كحيل

Yesterday, Sunday, Syrian human rights activist Abdulrahman Kahil was subjected to detention and physical assault by security personnel in the city of Homs, while he was with his fiancée inside his car. According to multiple sources, Kahil’s car was stopped by a security patrol, which immediately began questioning him about the presence of a woman with him, demanding official proof of their relationship and engagement.

In his attempt to explain the situation and justify his fiancée’s presence, Kahil faced a firm rejection from the officers. They then detained him and his fiancée at the criminal department. Informed sources indicated that the patrol officers considered their intervention “a service to him,” allegedly because he was perceived as a supporter of the previous regime. This step further complicated the situation, especially since Kahil is a well-known activist supporting the revolutionary movement.

At the department, Kahil was physically assaulted. He confirmed that he was severely beaten in the department’s basement, resulting in a broken right hand and a perforated eardrum, along with injuries to his thigh. Information also reported that the officers threatened to file lawsuits or official complaints against him if he took such actions, raising legal and public outrage over practices of detention and torture.

Recent incidents are part of a broader escalation of arrests and repression targeting activists and civilians amid intensified security campaigns and related human rights violations, raising fears of further deterioration of the legal and human rights situation in the region.

human rights organizations strongly condemn these practices, calling for an independent investigation into the incident and demanding that such abuses not recur. They also emphasize the need to halt all forms of torture and arbitrary detention inflicted on Syrian civilians and activists.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”