SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC: Indiscriminate bombing in residential neighbourhood in Damascus

25 Oct 2012

[International Secretariat]

Region: SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC

Topic: Year of Rebellion Human rights in the Middle East and North Africa

The attack was in front of a police station, which may have been the target, located in the heavily-populated residential district of Bab Touma in the capital’s historic Christian quarter, which includes numerous churches and hotels.

Ann Harrison, Deputy Middle East and North Africa Programme Director at Amnesty International, said:

“Detonating a car bomb in such a heavily populated area is an indiscriminate tactic likely to cause civilian deaths and injuries.

“The fact the car bomb reportedly exploded as people were leaving a nearby church following a Sunday service serves to heighten the risk of civilian casualties.

“All sides in Syria’s armed conflict must abide by international humanitarian law and avoid attacks which indiscriminately kill and injure civilians.”

So far nobody has claimed responsibility for Sunday’s attack and the victims have yet to be identified.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL NEWSFLASH
22 October 2012