Alevi organisations in Turkey united in protest against human rights violations targeting religious minorities in Syria, stirred by the recent upheaval following Assad’s downfall. On February 22 in Adana’s Seyhan district, the Alevi Civil Initiative’s demonstration spotlighted ongoing atrocities against Alevi and other groups, raising their voices against the cruel acts reported since December 8 during the struggle for power among factions in Syria.
Since the rise of Sunni-Islamist Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which ousted Assad after years of conflict, violence has escalated dramatically. Community leaders, civil society representatives, and political figures collectively denounced the horrific acts, which include torture and executions plaguing various sects in the region. “End inhumane practices in Syria,” they urged, appealing for immediate national and international intervention to halt these human rights abuses.
Mustafa Aslan, Chair of the Alevi Bektaşi Federation (ABF), emphasised standing united against sectarian violence, advocating for peaceful coexistence among Syria’s diverse communities. He further condemned the intolerance demonstrated by jihadist factions like HTS and called on the Turkish government to take active measures to alleviate the crisis linked to its past actions in supporting opposition forces.
The head of the Ehlibeyt Cultural and Solidarity Foundation (EHDAV), Ali Yeral, voiced concern about Syrian Alevi communities’ plight, indicating ongoing discussions with them. Meanwhile, CHP lawmaker Müzeyyen Şevkin highlighted that the violence reflects wider geopolitical conflicts, linking the bloodshed in Syria to the tumultuous energy struggles permeating the Middle East.
Alawites, predominantly inhabiting Syria’s coast, represent the third-largest religious group in the nation, closely following Sunni and Shi’a Muslims. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) has documented a surge in sectarian violence, culminating in numerous attacks against Alawite communities, with military operations this January leaving at least 35 dead and many forcibly disappeared in the chaos following Assad’s fall.
Alevi organisations in Turkey protested against human rights violations in Syria, particularly targeting religious minorities since Assad’s fall. Community leaders urged for immediate action from national and international bodies, condemning violence perpetuated by factions like HTS. Key figures reiterated the need for unity and resilience against sectarian conflicts, linking these local troubles to broader geopolitical concerns in the region.
Alevi organisations in Turkey have protested vehemently against the human rights violations occurring in Syria, particularly emphasizing the plight of religious minorities following the fall of Assad. Their rallying cries for action reflect deep concern over escalating violence attributed to sectarian conflicts, while leaders urge both national and international intervention to restore peace. Addressing wider geopolitical issues, they call for unity and peaceful coexistence among Syria’s diverse groups.
Original Source: www.duvarenglish.com
