The Ministry of Interior announced on Sunday the results of the committee formed last July to investigate complaints and allegations circulating about the kidnapping of women and girls on the Syrian coast. The ministry clarified that investigations proved 41 out of 42 allegations to be false, while only one case was a genuine kidnapping, in which the girl was safely returned after intervention by security forces.
The ministry's spokesperson, Nour al-Din al-Baba, stated during a press conference broadcast by the SANA news agency that the committee was formed based on the Ministry of Interior's responsibility to maintain security and stability and to follow up on reports circulating on social media about kidnapping cases. He noted that the minister had directed the formation of a specialized committee last July to verify the accuracy of these complaints.
Al-Baba added that the committee reviewed reports and posts related to disappearances from the beginning of the year until September 10th in the governorates of Latakia, Tartous, Homs, and Hama. The committee handled 42 cases during sixty sessions over a period of three months.
The ministry spokesperson explained that the committee reviewed official records, interviewed the families of the girls and women involved, and visited the locations mentioned in the reports, reaching the following conclusions:
- 12 cases of voluntary elopement with a romantic partner.
- 9 cases of temporary absence not exceeding 48 hours.
- 6 cases of fleeing domestic violence.
- 6 cases of false claims on social media.
- 4 cases involving prostitution or extortion.
- 4 cases related to criminal offenses in which the perpetrators were arrested.
- Only one case was a genuine kidnapping, in which the girl was safely returned. The spokesperson affirmed that the ministry deals with any report of disappearance or kidnapping with the utmost seriousness, urging citizens not to be misled by rumors and to verify the accuracy of information before circulating it, noting that the security of Syrian women and vulnerable groups is a top priority for the Ministry of Interior.
Al-Baba explained that the committee was supervised by the Assistant Minister for Security Affairs, Major General Abdul Qader Tahan, and chaired by Brigadier General Samer Al-Hussein, the Minister's advisor for legal affairs and human rights, and included representatives from a number of specialized departments, most notably the Criminal Investigations Department.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Interior thanked the people of the Syrian coast for their great cooperation with the committee, affirming that it will remain a steadfast supporter of Syrian society in maintaining its security and stability.
Zaman al-Wasl
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