In Memory of the Hama Massacre, 1982

Press Release

Syrian Coalition

Istanbul, Turkey

February 2, 2014

Today marks the 32nd anniversary of the Hama massacre which took place in 1982, when the then president Hafiz al-Assad’s army besieged the city of Hama for 27 days, murdering civilians in one of the bloodiest chapters in the history of the Arab world. Nearly 40.000 innocent Syrian citizens were killed and large parts of the city pulverized to the ground.

The Syrian people long for freedom. They have a passion for life. Syrians rose up once again in 2011 calling for freedom in the face of a brutal despotic regime, knowing there would be a heavy price to pay for their courage.

The Assad regime and those who back it or turn a blind eye to its crimes must know that Syrian men and women will never falter or give up until they remove the tyrant regime from power. Syrians will create a better future, a future free of injustice, suppression, and tyranny.

Tyranny will not defeat the will of the people to achieve their freedom. Syrians will build a democratic and free Syria for all.

We ask for Mercy for our martyrs, health for our wounded, and freedom for our detainees.

Long live Syria and its people, free and with honor.