SDC condemns Homs bus attack, calls for independent, transparent probe 

The SDC condemned the targeting of a bus carrying workers, employees and engineers as they were returning from work on the Masyaf Bridge in the Homs countryside, which, according to preliminary information, killed seven civilians and injured four others.

In a statement, the SDC said that targeting civilians, regardless of their identities, affiliations or areas, constitutes a crime that violates human life and dignity and threatens civil peace. It stressed that civilians are not legitimate targets and that their lives should not become hostages to political, security or sectarian conflicts.

The SDC called for an independent, transparent and comprehensive investigation to uncover the circumstances of the crime and identify the perpetrators, planners, instigators and anyone who participated in or facilitated its commission. It also called for the investigation's findings to be made public and for those involved to be referred to an independent and impartial judiciary to be held accountable under the law, regardless of their positions, affiliations or the parties behind them.

The Council noted that if investigations prove that the crime was committed on sectarian, regional or political grounds, this would, according to the statement, constitute a serious assault on civil peace and should be treated as a crime threatening society as a whole, rather than as an isolated security incident.

It called for investigations into all crimes and violations targeting civilians, combating hate speech and incitement, and preventing impunity or the selective application of justice.

The SDC’s statement stressed that the responsibility of the authorities in power is not limited to condemning crimes after they occur, but also includes protecting civilians and ensuring their security, uncovering the truth, enforcing the law and holding those responsible accountable in a manner that strengthens citizens' trust in state institutions and the rule of law.

It also stressed the need to guarantee equality in the lives and rights of Syrians, warning against using the identities of victims or perpetrators as a pretext to generalize responsibility to any component of Syrian society or fuel hatred and division.

It said that building a new Syria requires, alongside security, the rule of law, justice, equal citizenship and protection of Syria's diversity. It stressed that stability is linked to justice and that national reconciliation requires accountability and preventing impunity.

At the conclusion of its statement, the SDC extended its condolences to the families and relatives of the victims, wished the injured a speedy recovery, and expressed solidarity with those calling for the truth to be uncovered and justice to be served, rejecting the use of the victims' blood as fuel for new conflicts.

A-H 

ANHA