An alarming escalation of hate speech and incitement against Kurds is being witnessed in North and East Syria, coinciding with ongoing Kurdish popular protests since May 7, 2026. These protests emerged in rejection of the removal of the Kurdish language from identification signs of official institutions in the city of al-Hasakah. In a grave development, the “Rights Monitor” platform identified a circulated video featuring an individual known as “Qusay al-Shammari,” who publicly calls for the bombing of Kurds with chemical weapons. Al-Shammari invoked the crimes committed by the former Iraqi regime leader, Saddam Hussein, against Kurds in Iraq, while employing derogatory and insulting language against them.
According to information monitored by the platform, Kurdish protests broke out after elements affiliated with the Interim Authority replaced signs written in both Kurdish and Arabic at the Palace of Justice in al-Hasakah with new signs featuring Arabic and English. Subsequently, signs in Arabic only were adopted, sparking a wave of widespread anger and rejection within Kurdish circles.
This occurs amid continued tension in the region, with escalating inciting rhetoric from supporters of the Interim Authority and the emergence of calls involving threats to launch attacks against Kurds in North and East Syria.
In this context, the name of “Qusay al-Shammari”—an armed element loyal to the Interim Authority—has re-emerged. He previously appeared in video recordings participating in sectarian attacks in the Suwayda Governorate in mid-July of last year. He also appeared in another video during the kidnapping of a family consisting of two women and several children from the northern countryside of Suwayda during the same period.
Despite his arrest in October 2025, the Interim Authority later released him under a presidential pardon. Since then, he has continued his public appearances with inciting speeches targeting minorities, according to the platform’s monitoring.
In a related context, “Rights Monitor” observed another video showing a group of armed Arab tribal elements loyal to the Interim Authority mocking the Kurdish language and issuing threats of combat while chanting religious slogans, including the “Takbir.” This scene reflects the rising hostile discourse against the Kurdish people.
The Rights Monitor platform warns that the continuation of hate speech and incitement against Kurds in Syria could lead to dangerous repercussions for civil peace and social coexistence, particularly in light of the fragile security and political situation in the country.
Rights Monitor emphasizes that the Interim Authority must take clear legal measures against individuals and entities involved in spreading hate speech and inciting violence against Kurds. It further stresses the necessity of protecting national and linguistic diversity and preventing incitement that could lead to gross human rights violations.
