The Syrian Coalition said that the Russian Foreign Ministry’s recent slander against the White Helmets is due to the organization’s possession of material containing evidence about crimes being committed by the Russian and Assad regime’s air forces against Syrian civilians.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the Coalition said that “the Russian Foreign Ministry’s recent slander on the White Helmets has revealed a deep desire to take revenge on the rescue group. It has revealed how Russia sees this organization as a real threat to the criminals and their supporters, especially with regard to the legal aspect.”
“Since its inception, the White Helmets has documented a long series of crimes against the Syrian people, taking photographs, preparing reports, keeping audio and video recordings, taking testimonies of survivors and civilians on the targeted areas. This material represents evidence capable of proving the responsibility of the Assad regime and Russia for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and violations of international law,” the Coalition added.
The Coalition went on: “The viscous smear campaigns against the White Helmets will only bring shame and disgrace to those who are seeking to discredit this aid group. They are just an extension of the repeated targeting of the White Helmets volunteers with rockets and barrel bombs.”
“The Syrian Civil Defense has lost 251 volunteers since it was established, most of whom were killed in double-tap airstrikes by the Assad regime and Russian aircraft which target the same area twice in order to kill the first responders.”
On behalf of the Syrian people, the Coalition paid tribute to the volunteers of the Syrian Civil Defense Corps as it reaffirmed that their efforts would always be highly appreciated by the Syrian people and all the supporters of what is right, freedom and humanity all over the world.
“Around 3,750 volunteers are still working with the Syrian civil defense. Hundreds of them are facing a grim fate as they are still denied safe exit from Syria’s south, which requires intervention by the United Nations.”
The Coalition concluded its press released by stressing that the White Helmets would “remain a symbol of selfless devotion and humanity. Their efforts and heroism will continue to be a source of pride and appreciation. As they have a great role in saving and caring for civilians, their testimony will serve as compelling evidence condemning criminals and their backers. (Source: Syrian Coalition’s Media Department)
