Syrian writer for Le Monde: Alawites in Syria expose to collective punishment

In an article published in the French newspaper Le Monde, Syrian writer and journalist Samar Yazbek asserted that "Alawites in Syria are being subjected to collective punishment." She pointed out that the trials of those involved in the massacres on the Syrian coast last March were "mere formalities," and that the country is now ruled by "Islamist groups" in the absence of justice and the rule of law.

24 November, 2025 18:37

NEWS DESK

The French newspaper Le Monde published an opinion piece by Syrian writer Samar Yazbek, titled "Alawites in Syria are being subjected to collective punishment," amidst the absence of justice and the proliferation of militias.

The writer states that the trials that began in the country on November 18th for a number of those accused of committing massacres against members of the Alawite sect on the Syrian coast last March are merely a formality, amidst widespread skepticism about the credibility of the judicial proceedings.

Syrian writer and journalist Samar Yazbek also described these trials in her article as "a mere charade," asserting that "the judge and some members of the defense team are implicated in the same violations," which, according to her, negates "any impartiality or independence of the judiciary."

Samar Yazbek, who returned to Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime following 13 years in exile, spoke of a "shocking reality" she discovered on the ground. She described how armed Islamist groups, which she called "militias," control the security and military landscape, while the population, including Alawites, suffers from the absence of state institutions and a lack of protection.

The writer explained that she met with several Alawite citizens in Jableh and Latakia, all of whom affirmed their desire to live in peace, far from the conflict zones, despite widespread rumors of their "rebellion against the new authority."

Conversely, she noted the rise in individual acts of revenge in their areas (the Syrian coast), ranging from arbitrary dismissals from jobs and state institutions and daily humiliations to kidnappings and murders.

In her article, Yazbek criticized the transitional government for its cooperation with figures from the former regime, some of whom are implicated in war crimes. She argued that this alliance aims to present a "false, idealized image" to the West, while Syrians of all affiliations are left at the mercy of armed groups without any real protection or a transitional justice path