HRW: Lack of justice, accountability keeps Syria trapped in violence, revenge

The HRW organization stated that mercenaries of the interim government and Bedouin gunmen committed grave crimes during the assault on Sweida in July 2025, amid a clear absence of accountability.

In a report issued today, HRW said the crimes included “arbitrary killings, outrages upon personal dignity, abductions, and the looting and destruction of civilian property,” noting that the violence led to the displacement of up to 187,000 people, according to UN estimates.

The organization said “the Syrian authorities must prove they are a government for all Syrians by prosecuting those responsible for the atrocities committed in Sweida at the highest levels and from all parties involved,” warning that impunity will lead to the repetition of crimes.

Adam Coogle, Deputy Middle East Director at HRW, said: “Without full accountability for these abuses, the horrors of the past will be repeated,” adding that official acknowledgment of the crimes “is not enough as long as the commanders of the forces involved are immune from justice.”

The organization documented 86 killings, including 67 Druze civilians and 19 Bedouin civilians, in addition to incidents of summary executions, mutilation of bodies, arbitrary arrests, and attacks on civilian vehicles.

It also said that humanitarian aid continues to face major obstacles due to security and administrative restrictions, while tens of thousands of displaced people are living in harsh conditions with severe shortages of food, medicine, and shelter.

The organization called for “impartial and independent investigations that include senior military and civilian officials, and for comprehensive security sector reform,” stressing that “the absence of justice will keep Syria trapped in recurring cycles of violence and revenge.”

A-H 

ANHA