On Friday, 23 November, the Syrian community was deeply shocked by news of the assassination of prominent civil activists Raed Fares and his colleague Hammoud Junaid by masked gunmen in their hometown of Kafranbel. The town had become a symbol of the Revolution for freedom and dignity as a result of its banners and caricatures expressing the aspirations of the Syrian people and conveying their voice to the world.

We in the Syrian Women’s Political Movement strongly condemn this appalling crime as we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the slain activists and the Syrian people in general. We call on the international community to denounce this heinous crime and to assume moral and political responsibilities with regards to protection of Syrian civilians and prevention of such crimes, which are aimed undermining the fundamental principles of the Syrian Revolution and its goals of freedom, dignity, and rejection of tyranny.

The clampdown and silencing of the free media voices results in a loss not only for the Syrian Revolution, but also for all societies, organizations, and states that respect human rights and seek to promote dialogue instead of the horrific policies of murder and assassinations being pursued by the Assad regime. Extremist forces, mainly ISIS and Al-Nusra Front, have followed suit in these oppressive policies. We urge Syrians and anyone who believes in the Revolution for freedom and dignity to denounce these extremist groups and stand up to them.

The Syrian Women’s Political Movement calls upon the international community to assume its responsibility with regards to this despicable crime, which cannot be separated from the crimes and massacres being committed against Syrian civilians by the Assad regime and extremist groups ISIS and Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). It is imperative that mechanisms for justice are established to hold accountable those responsible for the crimes taking place in Syria by all parties.

May our detainees and the forcibly disappeared be free; our fallen heroes rest in peace;

And may our great people emerge victorious.

General Secretariat of the Syrian Women’s Political Movement

24 November 2018