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Undeclared "Blood Money" Under Security Supervision Disguised as "Financial Aid" for Harf Bnemra Village
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The initiative reveals attempts to address local crises with temporary solutions instead of establishing a comprehensive governance system that guarantees the rights of all citizens and prevents the c

The head of General Security in Banias, Amer Al-Madani, has begun supervising the distribution of financial aid to residents of Harf Bnemra village in rural Banias, funded by the General Security Administration and the Civil Peace Committee, in a move that observers described as closer to traditional "blood money" paid as compensation for victims' blood.
The criticisms revealed widespread public anger, as one commenter wrote, "Hanging the killers in front of people's eyes would be better than buying their satisfaction with money," while another denounced it saying "blood money," in clear reference to these funds being granted as an alternative to holding those responsible for bloodshed in the region accountable.
Other commenters questioned, "What is this, the price of massacres...?" and "A bribe to silence them?" expressing their rejection of the policy of buying loyalty instead of achieving justice. Others demanded information about the fate of those accused of committing crimes against civilians, saying, "Excuse me, what happened to the killers who committed massacres against civilians? Did they forget them, arrest them, or try them in front of the families?"
Observers considered this practice a blatant example of the continuation of the old approach in dealing with crises through temporary financial solutions instead of addressing the roots of problems, which was confirmed by one commenter saying, "They're giving them money for their children's blood to silence them," while another added, "Are they too embarrassed to say that a Muslim should not be killed in retaliation for killing a non-believer, but blood money should be paid instead?"
Comments also highlighted criticism of the double standards in dealing with citizens, with one asking, "Why just Harf Bnemra?" pointing to the lack of similar care for other afflicted Syrian areas, which reinforces the idea that this initiative is not purely humanitarian but carries other dimensions.
These sharp reactions demonstrate the necessity of achieving transitional justice and holding those responsible for violations accountable, instead of the "blood money" policy that perpetuates impunity and promotes a culture of substituting justice with money.
It is noted that Harf Bnemra village witnessed bloody events in recent days, and the distribution of financial aid now comes in the context of attempts to calm the anger of the residents without taking serious steps to hold those involved in those events accountable.
Analysts believe that the practice of "buying silence" through distributing money instead of applying the law deepens the societal rift and establishes new cycles of violence in the future, confirming the urgent need for a radical reform of the political and judicial system in Syria.
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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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