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On Sectarian Targeting: Observatory Director Warns of the Consequences of Impunity
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The continued targeting of civilians based on their sectarian affiliation reveals the deep tragedy of the Syrian conflict and the spread of extremist rhetoric that legitimizes violence against those w

The Director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stressed the need to hold accountable all those involved in targeting members of the Alawite sect, Chechens, Turkestanis, and extremist Arabs, warning that impunity will lead to a true catastrophe for the Syrian people.
These statements reflect genuine concerns about the continuation of the cycle of violence in Syria, especially with the widespread incitement and hate speech against various community groups.
Hate Speech Extends to Syrian Communities Abroad
The Observatory director recounted a personal incident in Coventry, UK, where he resides. A friend accused him of being Alawite after hearing him discuss violations in the Syrian coast, labeling him a "kafir" (infidel) and permitting his blood. Shockingly, this same individual had once written a poem calling for "turning the Alawite mountains into a river of blood."
This incident highlights the alarming reach of sectarian hate speech among Syrians abroad, complicating efforts for social recovery and reconciliation.
He strongly condemned such rhetoric, saying:
"What humanity are we even talking about when these extremists in Europe legitimize targeting people simply because of their sectarian identity, not because they support the regime?"
This statement underscores how the political conflict in Syria has morphed into an identity-based conflict, where civilians are targeted based on their sect rather than their political stance.
Systematic Targeting of Civilians
He further explained:
"If those who were killed were regime supporters, we could say it was part of a battle. But this is something else entirely."
This clarifies the fundamental distinction between combat-related killings and the systematic targeting of civilians based on identity.
Previously, the Syrian Observatory published a report on the burning of the body of the former director of the Commercial Bank in Baniyas, along with the bodies of his two sons and two neighbors, after they were targeted.
This documentation exposes a pattern of grave violations across Syria, necessitating independent and transparent investigations.
Threats and the Need for Justice
The Observatory director revealed that his organization has received threats to silence its reports on violations in the Syrian coast. He warned:
"What happened is no different from the atrocities in Sinjar. If not for international intervention and honest media coverage, we would have seen a mass targeting of tens of thousands of Alawites at the hands of these extremists."
He also named an individual known as Abu Dujana, of Turkestani origin, stating:
"He is celebrated by many, yet he participated in the targeting of an entire family in Baniyas and carried out other killings in the Syrian coast."
The director concluded by emphasizing:
"Those involved must be brought to justice, or there will be no place for Syria in the future."
This final statement reinforces the necessity of accountability as a fundamental condition for rebuilding Syria and restoring coexistence among its people.
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BENEFIT Sponsors BuildHer...
- April 23, 2025
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.”
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