On Saturday, August 23, 2025, Hamid al-Mayouf al-Faraj, a resident of the town of al-Kashkiya, east of Deir ez-Zor governorate, was killed by unknown gunmen riding a motorcycle in the al-Awaidiya area of the town. The identity of the perpetrators remains unknown at the time of publication. The area is under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces.
We are continuing our investigations, including reviewing and gathering more evidence and information. Therefore, we hope that anyone with information or details related to this incident will provide them to us via our official email address: [email protected]
Legal Conclusions:
The killing of Hameed Al-Faraj constitutes a flagrant violation of the right to life, as stipulated in Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The state has a legal obligation to conduct a prompt and effective investigation, ensure that those responsible are held accountable, and prevent impunity.
The indiscriminate firing by an armed group outside official control in a vital civilian area constitutes a failure to fulfill the state’s obligations to protect civilians, violating the principle of the “duty to protect” binding on de facto authorities under international law. The fact that the gunman is unknown does not diminish the transitional government’s responsibility to maintain security. The inability to contain civil conflicts or the behavior of local armed groups impacts the enforcement of the rule of law.
We are continuing our investigations, including reviewing and gathering more evidence and information. Therefore, we hope that the fact that the gunman is unknown does not diminish the Transitional Government’s responsibility to maintain security. The inability to contain civil conflicts or the behavior of local armed groups impacts the enforcement of the rule of law. If the perpetrator is not identified and prosecuted, this reinforces the pattern of impunity, undermines civilian confidence in justice, and creates a dangerous environment for the recurrence of these crimes.
The continued presence of weapons in the hands of unofficial actors increases the likelihood of security chaos and the commission of serious violations. This poses a direct challenge to the transitional government in its efforts to impose the rule of law and achieve security.
Recommendations of the Syrian Network for Human Rights:
Initiate an urgent, impartial, and transparent investigation, under the supervision of independent judicial authorities, to uncover the circumstances of the crime and identify the perpetrator, while ensuring witness protection and documenting evidence.
The transitional government must protect vital areas, including by deploying security checkpoints, activating surveillance equipment, and tightening oversight of unofficial armed groups.
Prosecute all those involved, including any parties or local groups involved in the shooting, and bring them to public and fair trials that protect the rights of victims and their families.
Provide material and moral compensation to the victim’s family and ensure that injured civilians receive medical care and psychological support, as part of reparations in accordance with international standards.
Launch a local awareness campaign on respect for the rule of law and the rejection of random weapons, with the participation of local community leaders, to combat irregular armament and tribal violence.
