Human rights group documents civilian abuses in Aleppo neighborhoods
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – A Syrian rights Association reported on Wednesday that civilians in Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsoud and al-Ashrafieh neighborhoods have been subjected to serious violations over the past week, including arbitrary detention, public humiliation, and threats.
The association, Ta’azur, which was established in March 2021 to support victims and survivors across Syria, said in a media briefing that its findings are based on verified eyewitness accounts and video evidence.
“Recorded footage shows civilians gathered and detained under humiliating conditions, with insults and threats directed at them, undermining their human dignity,” Ta’azur said. One video reportedly shows dozens of civilians, including women, held collectively while a cameraman insults them using terms such as “these are the prisoners of pigs,” “these are federalism projects,” and “these are the infidels.”
The group also stated that the neighborhoods were targeted by shelling, hitting civilian buildings and public infrastructure. The attacks reportedly killed 45 people, including women and children, and injured more than 120 others, causing extensive property damage.
Ta’azur added that the fate of 526 people, including 29 women, remains unknown, with no official information regarding their location or status. Families reportedly have no channels to contact authorities or obtain updates about their missing relatives.
The human rights association said over 160,000 residents have been displaced from Sheikh Maqsoud and al-Ashrafieh, with many moving to Afrin and other Aleppo districts. Additionally, 292 families, totaling over 1,000 people, were reportedly forced to relocate to northeastern Syria under harsh conditions and without protection guarantees.
In its statement, Ta’azur called for an immediate end to all forms of civilian violations, protection from arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance, respect for human dignity, and transparent investigations into all documented abuses. The association stressed the need to hold all perpetrators accountable and prevent impunity, while also demanding clear information be provided to families regarding the missing and detained individuals.