Orthodox Church tells Syria’s top leaders : “Justice is absent, dignity is violated, and freedom does not exist”

Father Spyridon Tannous, the representative of the Greek Orthodox Church in Syria, addressed a letter to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Interior Minister Anas Khattab, and Justice Minister Mazhar al-Alwis. He noted that “the statement is not an escalation, but rather an attempt to convey a message that justice is absent, dignity is being violated, and freedom does not exist.” He remarked, “Escalation has not yet occurred, and we hope we do not reach that stage,” while warning against the current approach. Meanwhile, the parish committees of the Greek Orthodox, Syriac Orthodox, and Greek Melkite Catholic communities in the town of Saidnaya (in the Damascus countryside) announced the cancellation of all festive activities associated with this year’s religious holidays. A statement issued by the committees indicated that the decision was made in light of the continued detention of several residents of Saidnaya.