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Discontent Over Syrian Culture Minister Attending Reception of Person Linked to Assad Regime
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Calls for dismissing the Culture Minister raise questions about the criteria for appointing officials and their ability to represent communities that have suffered from violations and forced displacem
The Al-Bukamal area in eastern Deir ez-Zor countryside is experiencing widespread discontent following Culture Minister Mohammed Al-Saleh's participation in a banquet hosted by "Farhan Al-Marsoumi," who is implicated in committing abuses against the city's residents during his association with pro-Iranian forces. This incident is described as a new slap in the face to victims and their families who are still suffering from the effects of previous violations.
Calls demanding the dismissal of "Al-Saleh" have increased, as he attended one of the banquets where Iranian officials and those previously accused of war crimes were present. This has provoked the anger of those who lost their families during the period of pro-Iranian forces' dominance, which committed violations affecting wide sectors of civilians. This behavior appears to have reopened old wounds for local residents who consider Al-Marsoumi one of the symbols of the dark period in the region's history.
In this regard, citizen (Z.A.) from Al-Suwayiya town told the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights that the beginning of Iranian control over Al-Bukamal witnessed waves of arrests that included enormous numbers of the region's residents, who remain to this day counted among the forcibly disappeared.
He continues: "Shortly after their arrest, Farhan Al-Marsoumi slaughtered 70 sheep and held a huge feast attended by militia leaders and regime officials, some of whom were directly involved in those arrests. We will not forget these acts, and the recent banquet in which Minister Mohammed Al-Saleh appeared is nothing but a repetition of the same scene with different faces. The least he can do is resign out of respect for our suffering."
This testimony reflects the extent of pain that still burns in the hearts of the residents and their disappointment with the behavior of official authorities.
Meanwhile, citizen (A.G.) confirms: "Thousands of us were displaced from Al-Bukamal and its countryside, and during the years of absence, the youth of our region were exploited by recruiting them into militia ranks. Al-Marsoumi was one of the most prominent perpetrators, and the minister's resignation is not merely an emotional demand, but a moral necessity." The issue of the minister's resignation has perhaps become more symbolic than a political demand, as it represents an acknowledgment of the residents' suffering and a step toward justice.
For his part, citizen (N.A.) recounts Al-Marsoumi's cooperation with "looting" groups, which began pillaging civilian homes in three phases, starting with furniture, proceeding to doors and wires, and ending with demolishing ceilings to extract iron and market it. He adds: "In addition to that, he contributed to bringing drugs into Al-Bukamal and facilitating the entry of sectarian pilgrims through our city. If the minister is unaware of all this, it's a great calamity, and if he knows, the calamity is even greater."
These testimonies represent part of a long record of violations documenting Al-Marsoumi's involvement in activities that harmed the local community.
A large segment of the population believes that this public appearance of the minister evokes painful scenes from periods of injustice and persecution experienced by the people, and raises questions about the standards by which government positions are distributed in the country, at a time when thousands of Syrians are still awaiting justice and accountability.
