Concerning the internet outage in northern Syria and the proposal to use the Starlink system as an alternative
The internet was cut off in large areas of northern Syria outside the regime’s control last Thursday evening. “Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham,” which controls Idlib, denied responsibility, accusing “those of weak spirits” of causing the issue, even though the network was already weak in the region. It later became apparent that the issue was due to conflicts between Turkish internet suppliers and importers.
The Syrian Future Movement strongly condemns the repeated, deliberate internet outage in northern Syria, which deprives millions of civilians of their fundamental right to access information and communicate, obstructs relief and rescue efforts, and threatens security and stability in the region.
The Syrian Future Movement considers the internet outage a violation of international human rights law and an electronic blockade aimed at isolating and silencing civilians.
The Syrian Future Movement sees the internet outage as an obstacle to the international community’s humanitarian aid efforts, as it hinders relief and rescue work amid the difficult humanitarian conditions civilians in northern Syria are experiencing.
The Syrian Future Movement warns of what has become evident to all: the monopoly of certain traders over the internet, which could recur in the future under any political or economic pressure.
The Syrian Future Movement calls on the international community and human rights organizations to pressure the entities responsible for this outage to end these arbitrary practices and ensure the complete and permanent restoration of internet service.
The Syrian Future Movement demands an investigation into this outage and the accountability of those responsible.
The Syrian Future Movement emphasizes the need to protect civilians in northern Syria and provide the necessary conditions for their dignified life, including guaranteeing their right to internet access and other means of communication.
The Syrian Future Movement recommends the adoption of a global internet service project, specifically recommending the “Starlink” system, based on satellites established by “SpaceX,” designed to provide internet access in underserved areas not covered by traditional internet service.
The Syrian Future Movement, setting aside any analysis of the internet outage’s political or economic exploitation, believes that having a global alternative will be essential to eliminate any potential external dependency.
