Government appointment of sanctioned militant unacceptable – SDF Spox
HASAKAH, Syria (North Press) – Farhad Shami, head of the Media Center of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), said on Wednesday that the Syrian transitional government’s appointment of Ahmad al-Hayes, known as “Abu Hatem Shaqra,” as commander of a military division in eastern Syria is “unacceptable.”
Shami warned that such appointments risk “corrupting state institutions” with individuals implicated in serious crimes.
Abu Hatem Shaqra is sanctioned by the United States for his involvement in the assassination of Kurdish politician Hevrin Khalaf, his role in numerous human rights violations, and his ties to the Islamic State (ISIS).
In a post on X platform, Shami stated, “The criminal Abu Hatem Shaqra, responsible for the assassination of Hevrin Khalaf and other crimes, belongs behind bars—not in official institutions.”
He called on relevant authorities to take decisive steps to hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes against the Syrian people.
“A criminal wanted domestically and sanctioned internationally for his notorious record cannot replace past criminals—he must join them and face justice,” Shami added.
He concluded that the inclusion of figures like Abu Hatem Shaqra in sensitive government positions marks a dangerous and unacceptable direction for the future of Syria.