Statement
from the Syrian Women’s Political Movement

On Assassination of Kafranbel Activists Raed Fares
and Hammoud Junaid

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