The Syrian Future Movement is following with deep concern the killing of young man Ahmed Khaddour on July 23, 2025, at a security checkpoint in the Tartous countryside after being beaten by checkpoint personnel, according to a statement from the Syrian Ministry of Interior.
While we express our categorical rejection of any form of excessive violence or humiliation against citizens, we consider this incident a crucial test of the seriousness of state institutions in applying the principles of justice and accountability.
The Syrian Future Movement believes that justifying the use of excessive force under the pretext of “violent resistance” does not absolve security personnel of their legal and moral responsibility to protect citizens’ lives, especially in circumstances of detention.
The Syrian Future Movement appreciates the decision to arrest the involved personnel, but we demand an independent and transparent investigation, the publication of its findings to the public, and the guarantee of a fair trial in accordance with the law.
The Syrian Future Movement rejects any attempt to turn the victim into a defendant and emphasizes that human dignity is not measured by a person’s security or political record.
The Syrian Future Movement recalls that the Syrian Ministry of Defense issued the “Military Code of Conduct and Discipline” on May 30, 2025, which clearly stipulates:
- Protecting civilians and treating them with dignity and respect without discrimination.
- Prohibiting any form of assault on civilians.
- Insulting detainees or prisoners is a violation subject to legal accountability.
Accordingly, we demand that this code be applied to all security and judicial police agencies, and that it become a mandatory reference in dealing with citizens, rather than merely a symbolic document.
The Syrian Future Movement calls for the establishment of an independent body to oversee the performance of security checkpoints, including representatives from civil society and the judiciary.
The Syrian Future Movement stresses the need to train security personnel on codes of conduct and human rights, and to condition their continued service on their adherence to these rules.
The Syrian Future Movement warns that leniency in accountability perpetuates a culture of impunity and deepens the gap between citizens and the state.
The Syrian Future Movement considers the killing of Ahmad Khaddour not merely an individual mistake, but rather an indicator of an institutional flaw that requires radical treatment. This flaw was one of the reasons the enemies of the state exploited the situation in Sweida. We also call for this incident to be transformed into a reformist turning point in the relationship between the government and society by instilling a culture of respect for the law, ensuring human dignity, and implementing non-selective accountability.
