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