Amnesty International urges al-Sharaa to publish results of investigation into Syrian coastal events

DARAMSUQ (DAMASCUS) — Amnesty International on Wednesday called on Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to publish the full findings of the fact-finding committee’s investigation into what has become known as the Syrian coastal events, which took place last March and resulted in the deaths of more than 1,600 people, including a large number of civilians. 

The call from Amnesty comes ahead of the release of the results of the fact-finding committee, which was established on March 9 to investigate the killing of civilians in the northwestern coastal region of Syria.

Kristin Beckerle, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, stated, “President Ahmad al-Sharaa must commit to publishing the full findings of the fact-finding committee’s investigation into the massacres that targeted Alawite civilians in the coastal areas, and ensure that those allegedly responsible are brought to justice.”

Beckerle emphasized the right of victims and the public to know the methodology used in the investigation, as well as its findings.

She further explained that survivors and the families of the deceased “have the right to know what happened, who was responsible, and what concrete actions the authorities will take to provide redress.” She stressed that only independent and impartial investigations can lead to “credible and fair trials.”

The Amnesty official also urged the Syrian president to ensure “comprehensive and effective compensation for victims and their families,” noting that al-Sharaa, in the aftermath of the events, had promised to hold the perpetrators accountable fairly and without leniency.

This is not the first such call by the organization. On April 3, Amnesty International had also urged Syrian authorities to investigate what it described as “massacres committed against Alawite civilians in the Syrian coast.”