Excerpts from the statement by Co-Chairs Tülay Hatimoğulları and Tuncer Bakırhan regarding the recent attacks on the Arab Alawites in Syria:
Since the beginning of the civil war in Syria in 2011, we have advocated for an inclusive and democratic constitutional solution that recognizes all social groups and differences within the country.
After the fall of the Assad regime on December 8, 2024, and the subsequent seizure of control over significant parts of Syria by HTS, the administration led by Ahmed El Shara (Colani) has adopted a policy that consistently excludes Kurds, Alevis, Druze, women, and all other social groups it does not define as part of its own. At every critical juncture in shaping Syria's future—such as the formation of the interim government, the organization of the national dialogue conference, and the establishment of the constitutional preparation committee—there was no consultation with representatives of these people and faiths, nor was their active participation in the process ensured.
The recent massacres of Arab Alawites in Latakia and Tartus are a tragic consequence of this monolithic and exclusionary mindset. We are also witnessing massacres, primarily in Hama, Homs, and several villages, for which HTS is responsible. These events are a clear indication that the civil war, which has been ongoing since 2011, is far from over.
We strongly condemn these massacres and the forced displacement policies targeted at the Alawite population by the HTS administration.
The HTS regime must immediately cease these attacks and recognize the legitimate and democratic demands of the Arab Alawites. The unilateral administrative, legal, and political initiatives carried out over the past three months must be halted, and a new dialogue and reconstruction process that includes all segments of society must be initiated.
We call on Turkey's government to reassess its close relationship with HTS regime. Turkey must use its full capacity to adopt a constructive approach to prevent further atrocities.
We urge the international community to take a firm stance against the ongoing massacres in Latakia and Tartus, and stand in solidarity with the Syrian Alawite people.
Tülay Hatimoğulları & Tuncer Bakırhan
DEM Party Co-Chairs
8 March 2025