Syria Support Movement solidarity with the Syrian people
from the Newsroom, on Mideast Discourse, March 27, 2025
Sadly, I missed this before. I had met Mufti Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun, and like him very much. The highest Sunni cleric in Syria when I met hi, he was a passionate man, but also tolerant, with a sharp mind and sharper sense of humor. He was a man who loved Syria and the Syrian people, all of the Syrian people. At the time I met him he had already lost his youngest son, a college student, to a targeted terrorist attack, but he was traveling with the Syrian Orthodox Patriarch, preaching love and tolerance and demonstrating those qualities for the world. [jb]
The arrest of Syria’s former Grand Mufti, Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun, has sent shockwaves through the nation, raising questions about justice and accountability. Syrian media reported that authorities detained Hassoun at Damascus International Airport following a warrant issued by the Syrian Attorney General’s Justice Ministry. However, the warrant failed to specify the crime he is accused of, leaving many speculating about the motives behind this dramatic move.
Detention at the Airport: A Sudden Twist
Hassoun had informed Syrian authorities of his intent to travel to Jordan for urgent surgery, a request that seemed routine at first. Nevertheless, only minutes after arriving at the airport’s VIP lounge, security forces apprehended him. For many, this abrupt arrest underscores the unpredictability of Syria’s shifting political landscape. Additionally, activists circulated an image online showing the former Mufti blindfolded, intensifying public curiosity and concern about his fate.
A Controversial Figure Linked to the Past Regime
Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun served as Syria’s Grand Mufti from 2005 until the position was abolished in 2021, a tenure marked by controversy due to his unwavering support for the former Syrian regime. Significantly, his loyalty came at a personal cost when his son, Sariya, was assassinated by armed groups in retaliation for his father’s stance. Consequently, this tragic event cemented Hassoun’s polarizing reputation, with some viewing him as a victim and others as a symbol of oppression.
What Lies Ahead for Hassoun and Syria?
The lack of clarity surrounding the charges against Hassoun fuels debates about whether this arrest signals a broader reckoning for figures tied to the old regime. Meanwhile, as Syria navigates its complex transition, this incident highlights the challenges of balancing justice with stability. Only time will reveal the full implications of this high-profile detention.
Editor’s note: The latest news as of April 21, the government is saying that Mufti Hassoun is in a coma. Many expect that this is a ruse to cover his murder, and that he will eventually join the ranks of the disappeared. [jb]
