On the evening of Wednesday, July 1, 2026, citizen Ayman Al-Rifai was killed after being shot by two individuals riding a motorcycle near the 94 Roundabout in the city of Homs, western Syria. According to available information, the stated motive for the attack was accusing him of collaborating with the former Syrian regime. The shooting resulted in his immediate death.
This incident occurs within the context of escalating violence and assaults that have recently targeted individuals and properties belonging to persons accused of being affiliated with what is locally known as “Shabiha” or of loyalty to the former Syrian regime, across a number of Syrian regions.
Available information indicates a rise in hate speech and incitement on social media platforms, including the publication of personal information and photographs of individuals accused of loyalty to the former regime, alongside calls to track them down or expel them from their areas. This increases the risk of exposure to retaliatory attacks and extrajudicial killings.
These developments raise growing human rights concerns regarding the widening circle of civil violence, amid the absence of clear pathways for transitional justice and legal accountability, and the continued occurrence of violations targeting individuals based on political or sectarian affiliations, or on the basis of unproven accusations not subject to judicial procedures.
The principles of international human rights law affirm that the right to life, liberty and security of person, and a fair trial is guaranteed to all persons without discrimination, and that any allegations of crimes or violations must be subject to independent, impartial investigations and fair judicial proceedings that guarantee the rights of all parties.
Furthermore, extrajudicial killings, retaliatory attacks, incitement to violence or hatred, and targeting based on political or sectarian identity constitute gross violations that necessitate independent and effective investigations, and holding those responsible accountable, in accordance with international human rights standards.
Rights Monitor Syria warns that the continuation of these practices without effective accountability could lead to deepening societal divisions, expanding the cycle of violence and revenge, and undermining the prospects for achieving justice, stability, and civil peace in Syria.
