President of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC), Hadi Al-Bahra, extended his condolences to the family of Jawad Al-Barouki, who was fatally shot by Assad regime forces on Wednesday in the city of Suwayda.
Al-Bahra expressed his heartfelt sympathies, stating, “We offer our deepest condolences to the family of the fallen hero, Jawad Tawfiq Al-Barouki, to his friends, to our people in Suwayda, and to the entire Syrian people.”
Al-Bahra noted that Al-Barouki was among the demonstrators who regularly participated in anti-regime protests at Karama Square in the city center of Suwayda. This square has become a symbol of nonviolent civil resistance since mid-August, advocating for political change, freedom, democracy, and social justice.
Highlighting Al-Barouki’s personal background, Al-Bahra mentioned that he was born in 1972, married, and had two children aged 15 and 5 years. Al-Barouki dreamed of a better life for his children in a country governed by freedom and justice, rather than by the law of the jungle. Al-Barouki worked as a freelance contractor and was described as a simple person whose aspirations aligned with the fundamental rights of all human beings.
Al-Bahra reflected on Al-Barouki’s role in the peaceful anti-regime movement, acknowledging that despite not being a prominent figure, he actively participated in anti-regime demonstrations. Al-Barouki preferred to remain inconspicuous, avoiding frequent media interviews.
Reviewing images and videos from the Suwayda 24 news network, Al-Bahra observed Al-Barouki’s consistent presence, either holding signs or chanting slogans passionately.
Al-Bahra recounted the tragic moments leading to Al-Barouki’s demise, noting that he was chanting, “Syria is ours and it does not belong to Assad’s family,” before bullets struck him. Al-Barouki, losing his balance, leaned on someone nearby before succumbing to his injuries.
Al-Bahra lamented the painful scenes captured by cameras in the final moments of Al-Barouki’s life, which serve as a reminder of the ongoing suffering endured by Syrian people since 2011. He posed the unanswered question: “Why must we be killed when demanding our most basic rights?”
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
