The Syrian Future Movement is following with deep condemnation and concern the physical assault perpetrated against a resident physician on Thursday evening, July 16, 2026, inside Raqqa National Hospital, by a media worker employed by the Health Directorate.
While expressing its absolute solidarity with the physician and all medical staff, the Syrian Future Movement views this incident as a true test of the state and its institutions’ ability to protect healthcare workers and uphold the rule of law.
The Syrian Future Movement condemns this assault in the strongest terms and holds the relevant authorities responsible for uncovering the circumstances of the incident and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The Syrian Future Movement notes that the altercation began when the assailant attempted to photograph the physician inside the emergency room. She objected, and the situation escalated into a physical assault involving punches, twisting her arm, and an attempt to throw her to the ground, amidst accusations that she was affiliated with the former regime.
We condemn the escalation of the dispute into a physical assault and hold the relevant authorities responsible for providing a safe working environment for medical personnel. We reiterate that assaulting medical staff while performing their duties is not merely an individual crime, but a threat to the continuity of healthcare services and a violation of the sanctity of medical institutions.
The Syrian Future Movement highly commends the protest organized by dozens of doctors in the courtyard of Raqqa National Hospital on Sunday, July 19, 2026, raising slogans demanding protection for medical personnel and a safe working environment.
We also praise the statement issued by the Raqqa Doctors Syndicate, which affirmed its categorical rejection of any attack targeting healthcare workers and called for a transparent and independent investigation.
We also welcome the joint statement issued by the Bar Association, the Doctors Syndicate, the Dentists Syndicate, and the Pharmacists Syndicate on July 18, 2026, which condemned the incident and demanded that the case be referred to the judiciary. We see this unified stance from the professional associations as a powerful message that civil society and professional institutions are capable of standing together against any attacks.
The Syrian Future Movement notes that local reports indicate the doctor was pressured to drop her complaint. Therefore, we emphasize that any such pressure, if true, constitutes a serious violation of the rule of law and undermines public trust in institutions. We demand that the relevant authorities open a transparent and independent investigation, including a thorough examination of all the circumstances surrounding the incident, including any attempts to influence the course of justice, and take deterrent measures against anyone found responsible.
Based on its national responsibility, the Syrian Future Movement recommends the following:
- Enacting clear legislation that criminalizes attacks on medical personnel while performing their duties, imposes stricter penalties on perpetrators, and provides the necessary legal protection for healthcare workers.
- Establishing effective security mechanisms within healthcare institutions to prevent any attacks and provide a safe working environment that enables medical personnel to perform their duties without fear or intimidation.
- Activating the role of professional associations in monitoring cases of attacks on medical personnel, empowering them to provide legal and psychological support to victims, and following up on legal proceedings.
- Launching national awareness campaigns targeting all segments of society to educate citizens on the importance of respecting medical personnel and the dangers of assaulting them.
The Syrian Future Movement reiterates its absolute solidarity with the doctor and all medical personnel in Syria, and demands an immediate and transparent investigation that reveals the truth, holds those involved accountable, and establishes the principle that no one is above the law.
The Syrian Future Movement emphasizes that protecting medical personnel is a national and ethical duty, and a fundamental condition for the continued provision of healthcare services to citizens.
We call upon the Syrian government, the judiciary, and professional associations to work together to ensure that this incident becomes a turning point in protecting healthcare workers and building a new Syria based on dignity, justice, and the rule of law.
