Detention of prominent Christian Syriac leader in Syria sparks fears of religious persecution and calls for justice

SADAD, Syria — The recent detention of Suleiman al-Khalil, a prominent Christian Syriac from the town of Sadad in Hmoth (Homs) Governorate, Syria, has sparked concerns about arbitrary arrests targeting religious minorities in Syria. Al-Khalil, celebrated for defending Sadad against the Islamic State (ISIS) in 2013, was apprehended by the security forces of the new Syrian government on 8 February 2025, without any clear charges.

🇸🇾 🏴 – Syriac #Christian from town of Sadad, Suleiman al Khalil arrested by the jihadist regime.

His crime? Fighting ISIS. You can’t make this up.

This regime must be destroyed.#Syria pic.twitter.com/Yg86NE69BV

— Report Syrian (@reportsyrian) March 4, 2025

Family’s Plea for Transparency

Al-Khalil’s family remains in the dark about his whereabouts and the reasons for his arrest. His son expressed frustration over the absence of formal charges and criticized religious leaders for their perceived inability to protect the rights of Christians in the region. This sentiment echoes broader concerns among minorities who feel increasingly vulnerable amid ongoing political and social unrest.

Historical Context of Minority Arrests

The arrest of al-Khalil is not an isolated incident. Reports indicate a pattern of detentions targeting Christians in Syria. For example, the Assyrian Human Rights Network has documented 32 cases of arrests involving Assyrians since March 2011. Such incidents have heightened fears among minority communities regarding their safety and the potential for religiously motivated persecution.

Concerns Over Extremist Infiltration

There are growing concerns that extremist elements, previously associated with groups like ISIS, may have infiltrated Syrian security forces. This infiltration raises the alarming possibility of retaliatory actions against individuals like al-Khalil, who actively opposed extremist factions. The presence of such elements within official structures further erodes the fragile trust between minority communities and the government.

Calls for International Intervention

Human rights organizations and international observers are urging the Syrian Transitional Government (STG) to provide transparency regarding al-Khalil’s detention. They stress the importance of due process and the protection of minority rights as essential pillars of a just and democratic society. Vigilance from the international community is seen as crucial to ensuring that the rights of all Syrian citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation, are safeguarded.

Christian Syriac Sadad

Sadad is a predominantly Syriac town located 60 km south of Hmoth, just off the M5 highway, a vital route connecting Daramsuq (Damascus) and Hmoth. The town has twice faced attacks from radical jihadist groups. In 2013, Sadad was overrun by Islamist militants from the Al-Nusra Front, later rebranded as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham after breaking away from its affiliation with Al-Qaeda. In 2015, as ISIS advanced on territories controlled by the Syrian regime, the town of 15,000 residents became a target once again.

Earlier that year, ISIS captured the mixed Sunni Muslim and Christian Syriac town of Qaryatayn. Hundreds of Sunni Muslims and Christian Syriacs were kidnapped, with Syriacs forced to adhere to ISIS’s strict Islamic mandates under the threat of death. Christian Syriacs and other indigenous religious minorities have faced severe persecution wherever Islamic jihadists have gained control.

What is Next?

The detention of Suleiman al-Khalil highlights the vulnerable position of religious minorities in Syria. As the nation navigates its future, ensuring the rights and safety of all communities remains a critical challenge. The resolution of al-Khalil’s case will serve as a litmus test for the STG to justice and equality in a post-conflict era.