Syrian Interior Ministry: Suspects Arrested Over Attack on UAE Embassy
The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of two people after confirming their involvement in the attack on the UAE embassy.
In a statement posted on its Telegram channel today, Sunday, April 5, the ministry said it had “immediately begun taking the necessary legal measures against the suspects in accordance with due process.”
It added that “any attack on diplomatic missions is a red line that cannot be tolerated,” stressing that it would remain vigilant and firm in protecting such missions and ensuring respect for diplomatic norms.
The ministry had previously said it had launched investigations and was pursuing those involved in the attack on the UAE embassy and the guards assigned to protect it, while taking legal action against them.
The embassy was targeted during a protest on April 3 organized by some Syrians in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons, during which protesters raised the Palestinian flag above the embassy building.
The ministry said peaceful protest is a right guaranteed by law as a form of freedom of expression, provided it remains within legal frameworks and does not lose its peaceful nature. It added that what happened constituted a violation of national laws.
Security Measures Reinforced
The ministry also said internal security units had strengthened security measures around diplomatic missions and tightened protection to prevent similar incidents from happening again. It called on citizens to abide by the law and preserve public security.
Syrian Foreign Ministry’s Position
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates affirmed its rejection of “any attack on or attempt to approach embassies and diplomatic premises,” stressing that they are protected under international law and diplomatic conventions and represent ties between states.
It also rejected any slogans or acts offensive to states, emphasizing the importance of exercising freedom of expression within the law and in a way that does not undermine the country’s security and stability or target diplomatic missions.
Gulf Condemnations
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned what it described as “rioting, attempted vandalism, and assaults” targeting its diplomatic mission and the residence of the head of mission in Damascus. It called on the Syrian authorities to investigate the incident and ensure it does not happen again.
The UAE stressed the need to protect diplomatic premises and staff in accordance with international laws and norms, particularly the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Gulf condemnations of the incident followed. Saudi Arabia denounced the “rioting, assaults, and attempted vandalism,” affirming its rejection of all forms of violence against diplomats and the need to ensure their protection.
Similar statements were also issued by Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and the Gulf Cooperation Council, all stressing the importance of respecting international agreements and ensuring the safety of diplomatic missions.
The post Syrian Interior Ministry: Suspects Arrested Over Attack on UAE Embassy appeared first on Enab Baladi.
