Media Stetment
Syrian Coalition
Istanbul, Turkey
June 10, 2013
The Syrian Coalition condemns the unconfirmed reports of actions taken by extremist factions who executed a 15 year old boy on Sunday as punishment for what the group regarded as a heretical comment.
Unverified reports state that the boy was a street vendor selling coffee in the working-class Shaar neighborhood. The boy had been arguing with someone when he was overheard saying, “Even if the Prophet Mohammad comes down [from heaven], I will not become a believer,” before he was shot. If this report is substantiated, the Syrian Coalition declares that this act would constitute a crime against humanity and those responsible must be brought to justice.
The Syrian Coalition expects those taking part in the revolution to abide by the ideals and principles of international covenants and treaties. Furthermore, any war crime committed by any faction must be subject to prosecution before a fair trial.
To ensure the avoidance of future crimes, the Syrian Coalition urges support for the Free Syrian Army, who have committed to adhering to human rights laws. The Free Syrian Army is a national army formed to defend civilians and rescue the Syrian people from the Assad’s regime atrocities against Syrians.
