Raed Al Saleh Apologizes to Syrians After Removing Missing Persons' Photos from Marja Square in Damascus
January 22, 2025, 11:20 am

Raed Al Saleh Apologizes to Syrians After Removing Missing Persons' Photos from Marja Square in Damascus

وقفة احتجاجية في دمشق

Raed Al Saleh, the director of the Syrian Civil Defense "White Helmets," issued an official apology to the Syrian people after the removal of photos of the missing and detained from Marja Square in Damascus during the volunteer campaign known as "We Returned, O Sham."

In a statement on the platform "X," Al Saleh expressed his deep regret, saying: "To my Syrian family and the families of the missing and forcibly disappeared, I apologize on my behalf and on behalf of the Syrian Civil Defense for the action that occurred during the We Returned, O Sham campaign, where the photos affixed to the memorial in Marja Square were removed in an incorrect and inappropriate manner." He clarified that these photos were damaged due to weather conditions, adding that he appreciates the suffering of those who have lost a loved one.

Al Saleh emphasized that the issue of the missing and forcibly disappeared is an integral part of the memory and conscience of the Syrian people, assuring everyone that the Syrian Civil Defense will not abandon them. He also mentioned that his organization is working on creating dedicated plaques in Damascus and other Syrian cities to commemorate their memories, aiming to display their photos in places that honor their sacrifices and humanity.

In a related context, he pointed out that the Civil Defense continues to cooperate with international organizations and relevant entities to protect mass graves and prisons, aiming to document the names of the missing, reveal their fates, and hold accountable those who committed crimes of detention and torture.

On another front, 36 Syrian institutions and organizations, along with local activists and initiatives, launched the "We Returned, O Sham" campaign on January 18, aiming to carry out service and beautification projects in Damascus to restore life to the city and enhance volunteer efforts.

The campaign aims to clean the city by removing garbage piles, opening blocked roads, repairing landmarks and roundabouts, cleaning water reservoirs, and planting trees, reflecting the ability of civil society to bring about positive change and send a message of peace and love, with the hope of rebuilding Syria in the future.

It is worth noting that the removal of photos of the missing and detained, which were raised in hopes of finding information about them, sparked angry reactions and widespread protests among Syrians.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.