Assyrian Democratic Organization demands end to property seizures targeting Syriac–Assyrian people in North and East Syria

ZALIN, Syria — The Assyrian Democratic Organization (ADO) issued a statement on Sunday highlighted the increase of property seizures targeting displaced and emigrated Syriacs (Arameans–Assyrians–Chaldeans) who left the country voluntarily, forcibly, or to escape the Syrian war that has been going on for more than 11 years.

ADO attributed such encroachments on the property of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people to corruption within some institutions of the Syrian regime and the Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA) of North and East Syria.

The ADO statement declared that many of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people of Gozarto (Jazira) Region who immigrated abroad were surprised that their property had been sold, most of which located in the centers of Zalin (Qamishli), Hasakah, Dayrik (Al-Malikiyah), and Tel Tamr.

Criminal “sellers” forge data and signatures of their original owners to sell vacant property with support from influential people in the institutions of the Syrian regime and DAA, according to the statement.

The statement noted that a recent case saw the sale of a property located within the security square which is under the control of the Syrian regime in Zalin.

The property is owned by Ishak Afram and his sons who denied selling the property and confirmed the sale was fraudulent. They demanded authorities restore their property.

The news of the forgery aroused tension and concerns among the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people, fearing similar forgeries over their properties. Such practices are a flagrant violation of property rights.

ADO warned of continuing violations, which entail demographic change against ethnic groups of the region.