Accountability promised by Syria following the release of a video depicting a hospital massacre in Sweida
In the heart of Sweida, Syria, a tragic incident unfolded on July 16, 2025, inside the National Hospital. The perpetrators of this heinous act were members of Syria’s Internal Security Forces and Ministry of Defence, part of the government’s security apparatus. Surveillance footage, published by local media outlet Suwayda 24 and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, shows a soldier in military uniform hitting and then kicking Mohammad Bahsas, a volunteer in medical scrubs, before he was forcibly taken to the ground and executed.
The Syrian Interior Ministry has publicly condemned this killing and vowed that the perpetrators will be punished regardless of their affiliation. An official has been appointed to oversee the progress of the investigation, and a committee was announced last month to investigate the Sweida violence, with a deadline of three months for presenting its findings.
However, rights activists and observers have criticized the investigation as insufficient. They urge for an independent inquiry and call upon United Nations investigators to enter Sweida immediately to probe this killing as a potential war crime. Mohammad al-Abdallah, executive director of the Syria Justice and Accountability Centre, has labeled the medic's killing a war crime.
The incident and ensuing violence have deeply alienated the Druze community in the region, who express distrust toward the regime's ability or willingness to protect them. Despite a fragile ceasefire, tensions remain high in Sweida, and access to the province is limited. Local residents accuse the government of imposing a blockade, but officials have denied this, noting the entry of humanitarian convoys.
Clashes between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes began on July 13, leading to a week of violence. The violence resulted in the death of approximately 1,600 people, many of whom were Druze civilians. Syrian authorities claim their forces intervened to stop the clashes, but they have been accused of siding with the Bedouin and committing abuses against the Druze.
As the investigation continues, the call for justice grows louder. Activists have instead called for an independent investigation to probe the violence in Sweida. The Syrian government must ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice, and the people of Sweida are given the protection they deserve.
- The alleged war crime committed against Mohammad Bahsas in Sweida, Syria, has sparked calls for an independent investigation, as activists question the justice system's ability to be impartial.
- The Syrian government, amid calls for justice, should ensure that both the Sweida incident and the ensuing violence are investigated independently to maintain public trust and ensure the protection of its citizens.
- The investigation into the Sweida violence reveals an urgent need for the Malaysian government to take a stance on the situation in Syria, advocating for transparency, accountability, and trusted investigation processes.
- As the international community grapples with ongoing war-and-conflicts worldwide, it is crucial that the general news media thoroughly cover the situation in Sweida, providing context and drawing attention to the need for justice and peace in this region.
