Syria has executed 24 people accused of starting wildfires and sentenced 11 others to life in prison with hard labor. The Syrian justice ministry said Thursday that the people that were executed were not only arsonists but also terrorists.
The justice ministry convicted the 24 people of terrorism, explaining that their actions had not only destroyed infrastructure, farmlands, forests, and property but it also resulted in the loss of many lives. Officials said the punishment had fit the magnitude of their crimes.
Apart from those that were put to death, the government sentenced 11 people to life in prison, four people to hard labor, and five minors to jail sentences of between 10 to 20 years. The government did not disclose the identities of those who were executed and sentenced.
The harsh sentence had shocked global human rights groups, particularly those which have been tracking the human rights abuses throughout the country's 10-year civil war. Throughout the war, the government has been accused of bombing its own cities, killing hundreds of civilians, and illegally detaining those who are rebellious against President Bashar al-Assad's administration.
Human Rights Watch said it was shocked when it found out that the Syrian government had executed two dozen people involved in the recent wildfires in the country's northwestern region. The organization said the executions were just another example of the government's "farce" justice system under President Bashar al-Assad.
The wildfire that spread in Syria's northwest region hit cities that are generally loyal to President Bashar al-Assad and his government, giving residents some leeway in criticizing his administration. The blaze destroyed several communities, burning down farms, homes, and forests. A lot of residents took to social media and criticized the government for its lack of action in helping control and put out the fires.
Political experts said the government's decision to immediately execute and sentence those found to be responsible for the wildfires may be the president's way of showing people that they are taking the issue seriously.
Sara Kayyali, a Syria researcher with Human Rights Watch, said the executions may be the government's way of shoring up President Bashar al-Assad's popularity in the regions affected by the wildfires.
