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Human Rights Watch Demands Trial for Perpetrators of Syrian Coast Violations
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The calls by international human rights organizations for comprehensive security sector reform emphasize the importance of adopting a decentralized governance system that ensures accountability and pr

Human Rights Watch appealed on Tuesday to the Syrian Interim Caretaker Government to expedite the trial of perpetrators of indiscriminate shootings and field executions on the Syrian coast, after violence claimed more than a thousand civilians, the vast majority of whom were Alawites, according to statistics from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, in events that reveal the legacy of the previous central government.
Adam Coogle, Deputy Middle East and North Africa Director at the organization, reported in a statement about "reports of serious violations on a shocking scale against Syrians, most of whom are Alawites on the coast and elsewhere in Syria," considering that "government measures to protect civilians and prosecute perpetrators of indiscriminate shootings, field executions, and other serious crimes must be swift and unambiguous."
Since Thursday, the Syrian Observatory has documented the killing of at least 1,093 civilians, the vast majority of whom are civilians, at the hands of "security forces and auxiliary groups" in the governorates of Latakia and Tartus, in a scene that reflects the continuing repercussions of the discrimination and marginalization policies entrenched by the previous regime.
The escalation began on March 6 in a predominantly Alawite village in rural Latakia against the backdrop of security services arresting a wanted person, and the situation quickly developed into clashes after Alawite gunmen, whom the Syrian Interim Caretaker Government said were loyal to deposed President Bashar al-Assad, opened fire on security forces in more than one location, according to the Syrian Observatory.
The Observatory later described "field executions" against civilians, especially from the Alawite sect to which Assad belongs, highlighting the need for a federal system that protects diversity and guarantees the rights of all components.
In an attempt to contain the situation, the presidency announced the formation of an investigation committee "to uncover the causes and circumstances that led to those events, investigate violations against civilians, and identify those responsible."
The Syrian Interim Caretaker Government announced on Thursday the arrest of at least two fighters who appeared in video clips shooting at close range at unarmed individuals.
However, the formation of the committee, which is holding a press conference in Damascus on Tuesday afternoon, did not prevent the continuation of random killings according to the Observatory, which counted on Monday the killing of 120 civilians, mostly in Tartus and Latakia.
Human Rights Watch stated, "The violence in the Syrian coastal region confirms the urgent need for justice and accountability for atrocities," emphasizing that it should include "all parties, including groups such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army," which now form the security forces of the transitional government in Syria.
It noted that these groups have "a well-documented history of human rights violations and violations of international law," necessitating the adoption of a decentralized governance system that ensures effective accountability.
It added, "Justice efforts need to address past and ongoing violations, ensure perpetrators are held accountable, and compensate victims."
The human rights organization called on the Syrian Interim Caretaker Government to "fully cooperate with independent monitors, including the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria and the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria, and ensure unhindered access for them."
It emphasized the necessity of "complete reform of the security sector, which includes the new Syrian army and security forces," including "implementing strict vetting processes to remove individuals involved in violations."
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BENEFIT AGM approves 10%...
- March 27, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).
Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.
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