SYRIA: Former Mayor of Sadad arrested amid controversy over misinterpreted interview in 2023

HMOTH, Syria – On 8 February 2025, the security forces of the Syrian Transitional Government (STG) arrested Christian Syriac leader Suleiman Khalil, the former mayor of Sadad, a historic Christian town in Hmoth (Homs) province. The arrest has drawn condemnation from human rights groups and Syriac advocacy organizations, who allege that Khalil is being unfairly targeted for his role in defending Sadad against the Islamic State (ISIS).

Arrest and House Raid

Eyewitnesses reported that security agents arrived at Khalil’s residence in Sadad with an arrest warrant issued by the Attorney General. After detaining him, they conducted an extensive search of his home, even digging a hole inside the house in a failed attempt to uncover hidden weapons. Khalil was subsequently transferred to the Military Security Branch in Hmoth, but authorities have since refused to disclose his whereabouts or the charges against him.

Case of Misinterpretation?

Many believe Khalil’s arrest is linked to a misunderstanding of comments he made during a 2023 interview with American YouTuber Drew Binsky. In the interview, Khalil spoke metaphorically about the harsh realities of war, stating that war can dehumanize individuals, forcing them into unthinkable actions, such as killing — even if the enemy is a pregnant woman. However, a mistranslated version of his remarks allegedly implied that he advocated indiscriminate violence against pregnant women, sparking widespread allegations.

To counter these accusations, Khalil’s legal team commissioned a certified translator in Daramsuq (Damascus) to produce an accurate version of the interview. While the revised translation cleared him of advocating violence, authorities reportedly shifted their charges, accusing him of taking up arms against ISIS — a claim his supporters strongly deny.

Hero of Sadad or Political Target?

Though Khalil never engaged in combat himself, he played a pivotal role in coordinating the defense of Sadad during the 2013 ISIS assault. As mayor at the time, Khalil organized local resistance efforts that successfully thwarted the extremist group’s attempt to overrun the town, saving it from destruction and potential atrocities.

Observers fear Khalil’s arrest reflects a broader campaign of political retaliation. Known for his affiliation with the Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP) and opposition to the former Syrian regime, Khalil’s political stance may have made him a target in the country’s shifting power dynamics.

Concerns for Syria’s Christian Communities

Khalil’s detention has heightened concerns among Syria’s Christian communities, particularly in Syriac-majority towns like Sadad. Residents, already grappling with marginalization, now fear retaliation from former ISIS-linked elements who have been reintegrated into Syrian security forces.

As Khalil remains held incommunicado, calls for his release are growing. Human rights organizations and Syriac advocacy groups are demanding an independent investigation into his case, warning that his arrest appears motivated by political vendettas rather than legitimate legal grounds.