Syrian Inquiry on Kidnapping Allegations Involving Alawite Women
A Syrian government-led committee has revealed that most accusations of kidnapping involving women from the Alawite minority were unfounded. The findings of the extensive investigation were released on Sunday after months of inquiry.
Details of the Investigation
Syria's Interior Ministry spokesperson Noureddine al-Baba presented the results of the probe into 42 reported incidents of women and girls going missing amid widespread violence in March along Syria's coastal provinces.
Al-Baba explained that the committee, established in July, interviewed the women and girls involved, determining that just one case constituted a confirmed kidnapping.
“In the one confirmed kidnapping case, the girl was safely returned after security agencies investigated the matter,”
“The search continues to identify the perpetrators.”
Different Outcomes for Other Cases
The inquiry found that out of the 41 remaining cases:
- 12 involved women leaving with romantic partners
- 9 were temporary absences staying with relatives or friends
- 6 were women fleeing domestic violence
- 6 were false allegations circulated on social media
- 4 involved extortion or prostitution victims
- 4 were perpetrators of criminal offenses who were detained by security forces
Background and Context
Violence erupted after armed groups loyal to former Syrian President Bashar Assad attacked government security forces.
Amnesty International had reported in July credible accounts of several dozen Alawite women and girls allegedly kidnapped in the provinces of Latakia, Tartus, Homs, and Hama.
Author's Summary
The government inquiry found most kidnapping claims involving Alawite women were false or misinterpreted, with only one confirmed case resolved.
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