Human Rights Report: Arbitrary Arrest Cases on the Rise in Syria During the First Half of 2025

The Syrian Network for Human Rights issued its monthly report highlighting the continued arbitrary arrest operations in Syria. A total of 658 cases were documented during the first half of 2025, including 72 cases in June alone. This comes amidst political and security developments in the country following the formation of the transitional government at the end of 2024.

The 26-page report serves as a warning of the worsening human rights crisis, calling for urgent intervention to stop violations and ensure the protection of civilians, especially with ongoing reports of arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances in various areas.

Situation in Syrian Regions

Aleppo province recorded the highest number of arrest cases, followed by Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa, where violations were committed by multiple parties. While the report accused the transitional government of arresting 192 individuals, including children and women, the number rose to 378 cases in areas under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), with serious violations such as recruiting minors and arresting civilians for their opinions.

In areas under the influence of the National Army, the report documented 88 arrest cases, some based on racial motives, in addition to incidents of financial extortion in areas like Afrin countryside.

Continued Arrest Campaigns and Releases

Despite recording 993 releases by the transitional government, 287 by the SDF, and 41 by the National Army, the report pointed to ongoing arrest campaigns, especially against activists and civilians expressing their opinions on social media or having family ties to wanted individuals.

It also highlighted violations in SDF areas including arbitrary arrests and assaults on women during raids, while operations of abduction and discriminatory arrests were observed in opposition areas.

Urgent Appeals to the International Community

The Syrian Network for Human Rights concluded its report by urging the international community, especially the Security Council, to take urgent action and refer the Syrian file to the International Criminal Court. It also called on the transitional government to improve the conditions of detainees, disclose their detention locations, and allow international organizations such as the Red Cross and the United Nations access to detention centers.