Syrian Observatory for Human Rights Networks come under cyberattacks

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights issued a statement today addressed to public opinion, international media outlets, and human rights institutions, in which it affirmed that Syria’s transitional government is launching cyberattacks against its networks and conducting an organized smear campaign. The statement said: “The Syrian authorities are waging the fiercest systematic media campaign targeting the Observatory since its establishment on 1 May 2006.”

The Observatory explained that it is following “with deep regret and concern” the escalation of smear campaigns and false accusations led by official Syrian institutions, represented by “the Media Office at the Presidency of the Republic and the Ministry of Information,” in addition to “pro-government media platforms and accounts.” It noted that the aim of these campaigns is “to undermine its reputation and cast doubt on the credibility of its reports and the integrity of its staff.”

SOHR described the campaign as the most dangerous in its history, stating that it seeks to silence its voice and prevent it from carrying out its human rights and humanitarian role in documenting violations and delivering justice for victims in Syria. It expressed regret that “those who were advocates of freedom yesterday are now calling for repression after reaching power.”

The Observatory condemned what it called “practices that reproduce the approach of the defunct regime,” through repression, disinformation, denial of facts, and the targeting of voices that expose violations. It affirmed that such practices will not deter it from continuing its mission to monitor, document, and publish violations committed by any party, “with full integrity, objectivity, and reliability.”

The Observatory further emphasized that media campaigns, threats, and cyberattacks—whether from official entities or via social media—have not and will not affect its work. It reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights of all Syrians and to working to prevent incitement and strife among the components of Syrian society.

The statement concluded by reiterating the Observatory’s commitment to continue monitoring developments in Syria and documenting violations with accuracy and transparency, in defense of truth and justice, and in upholding the values of justice and human rights that it has carried for nearly two decades.

ANHA