On Sunday, July 20, 2025, Bashar Ahmad al-Matni, a resident of the city of Albukamal, east of Deir Ez-Zour Governorate, was killed by gunfire fired by members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) stationed in the Baghouz area east of Deir Ez-Zour, an area under SDF control. According to information obtained by the Syrian Network for Human Rights from reliable local sources, members of the SDF shot Bashar while he was working on a river ferry between the banks of the Euphrates River, wounding him instantly.
Legal Conclusions:
- The fact that members of the Syrian Democratic Forces opened fire on Bashar al-Mutni, an unarmed civilian, while he was working on a river ferry, without posing a direct threat to their lives, constitutes a grave violation of the right to life.
- The incident highlights the lack of disciplinary and accountability mechanisms within the forces controlling the area, particularly since no immediate judicial action was taken against the responsible personnel, perpetuating a culture of impunity.
The Syrian Network for Human Rights’ recommendations:
- Open an immediate and impartial investigation into the incident, under the supervision of an independent body. The investigation should include a review of open-fire orders, interrogation of personnel at the checkpoint, and determination of direct criminal responsibility.
- Bring those responsible for the shooting to fair accountability, including trial before a competent civilian court that guarantees the rights of the victim and the transparency of proceedings.
- Provide prompt and appropriate compensation to Abdullah al-Bakr’s family, including material, moral, and psychological support, in accordance with international standards for reparations.
- Retrain and rehabilitate Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) checkpoint personnel in accordance with human rights standards and principles on the use of force, and activate internal military oversight of these sites.
- The transitional government in Damascus is responsible for protecting Syrian citizens throughout Syria, compensating them, and holding perpetrators of violations accountable.
