social media outrage over appointment of Hevrin Khalaf’s killer to lead 86th Division

The appointment of mercenary Hatem Abu Shakra, responsible for the assassination of Future Syria Party Secretary-General Hevrin Khalaf, as the head of Division 86 has ignited a storm of anger on social media, particularly among women, activists, and journalists. Many are demanding that he be held accountable rather than rewarded with a promotion.

Abu Shakra, whose real name is Ahmad Ihsan Fayadh Al-Hayes, is a leader of the “Ahrar al-Sharqiya” mercenaries. He was involved in the brutal assassination of Hevrin Khalaf and her driver Farhad Ramadan in October 2019, a crime that drew widespread international condemnation at the time.

Feminist and international condemnation

In an early response, Roxan Muhammad, spokesperson for the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), strongly condemned the decision, describing it as “a legitimization of impunity and an endorsement of violence against women and indigenous peoples.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she stated: “We will continue our struggle until justice is served.”

Journalist Ronak Sheikhi also called the decision a “dangerous provocation,” especially given that it affects a Kurdish-inhabited region. She added in her X post: “Appointing a war criminal to a leadership position is completely unacceptable.”

Activist Najah Ahmad raised a sharp question: “Hatem Abu Shakra’s hands are stained with the blood of martyr Hevrin Khalaf. He should be prosecuted for war crimes... but instead, he’s being honored. This isn’t surprising, since the one who promoted him comes from the same school of thought and terrorism. Wearing a suit doesn’t make someone innocent.”

U.S. Reactions

The decision has also drawn criticism internationally. Nadine Maenza, Chair of the International Religious Freedom Secretariat, commented: “It’s hard to believe that a militia leader under U.S. sanctions and involved in the brutal political murder of a Kurdish woman has now been promoted to command parts of North and East Syria. How can trust be built this way?”

Journalist Lindsey Snell also mocked the decision, sarcastically writing: “Another brilliant decision!”, highlighting how the Damascus authorities continue to disregard principles of justice and accountability.

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