The Impossibility of Coexistence with the De Facto Government Led by Ahmad al-Sharaa (al-Jolani)

Introduction

This memorandum is submitted to international organizations concerned with human rights, minority protection, and international peace, with the aim of documenting the grave violations committed by the de facto government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa (al-Jolani), and outlining the legal, political, and social reasons that make any attempt at coexistence with this government impossible — representing an existential threat to minorities in Syria and to regional and international stability.

I. Ideological and Doctrinal Nature of the Government

Despite attempts at cosmetic reform and surface-level changes, al-Jolani remains committed to the jihadist al-Qaeda doctrine and serves as the supreme reference for all decisions. This directly contradicts:

The Geneva Conventions, which prohibit ideologies based on religious exclusion
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Articles 18 and 27), guaranteeing freedom of belief and minority protection

II. Grave Violations of Human Rights and Security

The de facto government bears direct responsibility for:

Massacres, genocide, and ethnic cleansing targeting Alawites, Druze, Christians, Ismailis, and Murshidis
Forced displacement of residents from their villages — classified as a crime against humanity under Article 7 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court
Kidnapping and arbitrary detention without judicial guarantees, in violation of Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Unlawful seizure of property, in clear violation of Article 17 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

III. Political Exclusion and Religious Domination

Minorities have been excluded from any genuine participation in the political process
All appointments are symbolic; real authority rests with jihadist clerics loyal to the ruling body
This constitutes systematic discrimination in violation of Article 2 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

IV. Economic Plunder and Civilian Impoverishment

Creation of shell companies to siphon funds abroad
Seizure of business assets under the pretext of ties to the former regime
Deepening poverty and collapse of essential services

These practices violate the right to an adequate standard of living under Article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

V. Manufacturing a Takfiri Jihadist Current

Replacement of moderate imams with hardline clerics
Distribution of Ibn Taymiyyah's books and jihadist fatwas in mosques
Indoctrinating millions of young people with a transnational takfiri ideology — posing a threat to international peace and security under Chapter VII of the UN Charter

VI. Militarization of Society

Rebuilding the army and security services on a jihadist doctrinal basis under the banner of the "Army of the Ummah"
Public training videos confirming the adoption of a takfiri combat approach
This constitutes a direct threat under international counter-terrorism conventions

VII. Destruction of Education

School curricula altered to eliminate the concept of a secular, pluralist state and replace it with hardline religious content
Universities adopting takfiri curricula and forming extremist youth groups
This constitutes systematic indoctrination in hatred, in violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (Articles 28 and 29)

VIII. Field Documentation of Violations (January – August 2025)

January 2025

Zeita – Rural Homs (al-Qusayr): Forced displacement and prevention of return
Saqraja – Rural Homs (al-Qusayr): Expulsion of Alawite residents and burning of their property

February 2025

Umm Turayka al-Qibliya – Rural Hama/Homs: Mass displacement of Alawites following killings and violations
Northern and Eastern Rural Hama (campaign of killings and Alawite displacement): Maryud – al-Talaysiya – al-Zaghba – Ma'an – al-Mabtan – Abu Mansaf – al-Tuba – al-Fann al-Wasatani – al-Fann al-Qibli – Sheikh Ali Kassoun – al-Shu'ayha – al-Ruwayf – al-Shahib – Tal Abd al-Aziz – Nawa (al-Salamiya) – Kafr al-Tun – Arza

March 2025

al-Mukhtariya – Rural Latakia: Massacre and mass displacement; village left nearly empty
Qarfis – Rural Latakia: Displacement of residents (Alawites and Christians)
al-Sinn – Rural Latakia: Complete evacuation following attacks
al-Rahba – Rural Latakia: Forced displacement of residents
Ra's al-Ayn – Rural Latakia: Mass displacement of Alawite residents

17 August 2025

Kafr Aqid – al-Ghab Plain (Hama): Forced displacement by "General Security" elements, with looting and seizure of homes

Damascus

al-Summariya – al-Daymas – Airport Road Housing – Guard Housing: Expulsion of residents on the pretext that properties are military housing, with confiscation of their belongings

Conclusion and Recommendations

Coexistence with the Jolani government is not a negotiable political option — it is an existential danger and collective suicide for minorities in Syria, and a threat to regional and international peace.

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