Syrian Coalition Holds the Assad Regime Responsible for Kidnapping of Aleppo Bishops

Media Note

The Media Office

Istanbul, Turkey

April 23, 2013

The Syrian Coalition strongly condemns the kidnapping of Father Boulus Yazji, Bishop of the Roman Orthodox Church in Aleppo, and Father John Abraham, Bishop of the Syriac Orthodox Church. We stand firm against the kidnapping and harm of all civilians, and members of the clergy in particular. This crime is a dangerous attempt to derail Syrian society from achieving their honorable goal of freeing themselves from a tyrannical and oppressive regime, and building a nation of freedom, justice and equality.

Initial investigations conducted by the Syrian Coalition regarding the kidnapping and killing of Father John Abraham’s bodyguard implicate the Assad regime in this crime. The Assad regime was angered by Father John’s latest statement, in which he stated that the survival of Christians in Syria is not linked to the survival of the regime. The Free Syrian Army categorically denies any responsibility for this kidnapping.

The Syrian Coalition will continue all efforts to locate, free the Bishops and return them to safety. We ask all Syrian citizens to cooperate with the Free Syrian Army in this effort and give this matter the priority it deserves.