Internal Security – Women: Crimes in Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh reflect grave disregard for human life

The Internal Security Forces – Women in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria issued a written statement today regarding the attacks carried out by mercenaries of the interim government, backed by the Turkish state, against the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh in Aleppo, which resulted in dozens of martyrs and wounded.

The statement reads as follows:

“Under the harsh conditions our people are enduring, women in the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh have played a leading role in resistance, in defending human dignity, and in standing firm against systematic policies of repression and violence.

Women in these two neighborhoods have embodied an advanced model of sacrifice and steadfastness, not only through their daily resilience in the face of siege and violations, but also through their active participation in protecting their society and defending human values and coexistence.

In this context, we strongly condemn the crime that has shaken the human conscience, namely the desecration of the body of a heroic resistance fighter, as seen in a widely circulated video recording. Factions affiliated with the government in Damascus threw her body from a high building after she had lost her life, in a blatant violation of all moral and human values and of all international conventions that protect human dignity even after death.

Such practices cannot be justified under any pretext. They reflect a dangerously grave level of contempt for human life and an attempt to break the will of society through the spread of terror and humiliation.

We also express our deep concern and strong condemnation of the information and testimonies being circulated regarding the treatment of prisoners, who are subjected to humiliation, abuse, and inhumane treatment, in clear violation of international humanitarian law, which guarantees the protection of detainees and ensures that they are treated with dignity and respect.

We affirm that human dignity is indivisible, and that targeting women, desecrating bodies, and humiliating prisoners are crimes that do not expire with time and require an independent international investigation and accountability for those responsible.

In conclusion, we salute the resistance of women in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh. Two members of the Internal Security Forces – Women in Aleppo rose to the status of martyrdom after a historic and legendary resistance. We wish a speedy recovery to the wounded, and we affirm that these crimes will not weaken the will of women, but will only strengthen our people’s determination to claim their legitimate rights to freedom, justice, and a dignified life.”

A-H 

ANHA