Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition
Department of Media and Communications
January 29, 2024
Today marks the eleventh anniversary of the Queiq River Massacre in the city of Aleppo, a tragic event in which over 200 civilians, including children, fell victim to the brutality of the Assad regime. This heinous act stands as one of the most egregious crimes committed by the regime during its war on the Syrian people.
The Queiq River Massacre serves as a stark reminder of the Assad regime’s ruthless treatment of detainees. The regime callously disposed of the bodies of those executed or tortured, casting them into the river. These gruesome acts, evident in the bodies carrying signs of execution by bullets and traces of brutal torture, highlight the violent and degrading treatment suffered by detainees.
The Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) emphasizes that the Queiq River Massacre, among the thousands of war crimes committed by the Assad regime and its supporters, must not be forgotten. These atrocities were inflicted upon innocent people in an attempt to terrorize those who courageously revolted against the oppressive regime, with no regard for human values or international laws and treaties pertaining to the torture of detainees.
Taking advantage of international inaction and a lack of accountability, the Assad regime has continued its reign of terror, obstructing any UN resolution aimed at addressing its crimes in the Security Council. This persistent obstruction has allowed the regime to commit further war crimes and crimes against humanity, eroding the confidence of victims’ families in the international community’s ability or intention to achieve justice.
In light of this, the SOC demands the establishment of effective and decisive mechanisms to break the deadlock that the Security Council faces regarding Syria. These mechanisms should ensure accountability and justice in Syria, providing closure to the victims and their families. The SOC calls for a renewed commitment to fully implement UN Resolution 2254, paving the way for a future characterized by law, justice, freedom, and democracy in Syria.
