Ranking Member Shaheen, Representative Joe Wilson Statement on the Kidnapping and Murder of Dr. Hamza Shahin in Syria

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC), Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, issued the following statement on the kidnapping and murder of Druze sheikh and physician Dr. Hamza Shahin in Syria:

"We were grateful to join Dr. Hamza Shahin and other religious leaders from across Syria's faith traditions at an interfaith conference at a monastery in Seydnaya, outside Damascus, during our August visit to Syria. We mourn Dr. Shahin, who was a bridge builder working for a Syria that represents and protects its people from all faiths and backgrounds, and condemn his heinous killing in the strongest possible terms. The perpetrators of this crime may seek to divide the Syrian people for their own gain, but we remain committed to ensuring they do not succeed. Authorities in Damascus have reportedly made arrests and tracked down those responsible, which is an important step toward accountability in a country still struggling with instability. We extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Shahin's family and to all who share in mourning his loss."

###

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Tweet