Khaberni - The Syrian Interior Ministry issued a clarification statement in which it revealed the results of investigations regarding what had been circulated in the past weeks about news of the kidnapping of women and girls on the Syrian coast, confirming that most of the reports that caused controversy on social media were incorrect.
The ministry's spokesperson, Nour Eddin Al-Baba, stated that the Interior closely monitored all the complaints and information that spread on social media about alleged kidnapping cases, noting that the Interior Minister formed a special committee last July to verify these allegations.
Committee findings: 41 cases not kidnapping
Al-Baba explained that the committee studied all the reports and posts dealing with the issue of kidnapping from the beginning of the year until September 10, covering investigations in four provinces: Latakia, Tartous, Homs, and Hama.
He added that the committee dealt with 42 cases over about 60 investigative sessions spanning three months, and it turned out that 41 of these were not kidnapping crimes.
The statement revealed that the investigations showed:
12 cases of voluntary elopement with a romantic partner.
6 cases of temporary disappearance not exceeding 48 hours.
6 cases of fleeing from domestic violence.
6 cases of false allegations spread on social media.
4 cases involved in prostitution or extortion.
4 criminal offenses where the perpetrators were arrested by the competent authorities.
The spokesperson confirmed that only one case was described as a genuine kidnapping, and the girl was safely returned to her family after the security forces' follow-up, while investigations continue to determine the identity of the perpetrators.
Call to avoid falling for rumors
The Syrian Interior Ministry emphasized in its statement that it deals with any report or suspicion of disappearance or kidnapping with the utmost seriousness and responsibility, urging citizens and human rights organizations to report directly through official channels instead of circulating unreliable news.
The ministry also urged Syrians not to be swayed by rumors spreading on social media and to verify the accuracy of any information before sharing it, stressing that spreading lies creates panic and negatively affects community security.
