Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition – Syria
Department of Media and Communications
April 4, 2020
The Syrian Opposition Coalition reaffirms the necessity of activating Article 21 of UN Security Council Resolution 2118 regarding the taking of concrete measures against the Assad regime under Chapter VII. The Khan Sheikhoun Massacre, of which the third anniversary falls today, April 4, opens the door for this necessary move.
The Assad regime used sarin gas in an attack on Khan Sheikhoun on April 4, 2017, killing 100 people and injuring hundreds more. It continues to pose a grave danger to the Syrian people, the region, and beyond through both its direct and indirect daily crimes. One of these dangers is its catastrophic performance in the face of the coronavirus pandemic and the serious risks to civilians in the areas under its control.
The SOC’s legal committee and several independent Syrian bodies as well as international human rights organizations are following up on this issue. They are gathering testimonies and documents and working to hold accountable the criminals responsible for this crime and other war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Syria. We have no doubt that they will condemn the regime, its backers, and those responsible for these crimes before a fair court.
The memory of this massacre is an occasion to remind some parties that are considering rehabilitating this criminal regime of the reality of what they are doing, the dangers of their behavior, and its catastrophic effects. Everyone who reaches out to the Assad regime risks siding with this group.
The SOC once again warns the international community of the dangers of lack of accountability for the atrocities taking place in Syria and of the effects of impunity on international justice, peace, and security. We stress the need to refer this issue to the International Criminal Court as soon as possible.
# # #
