Alawite organizations across Turkey have risen in protest against the escalating massacres of Alawites in Latakia by the jihadist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) forces, led by Ahmed Al-Sharaa (Al-Jolani), who have seized control of parts of Syria.

Warning the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), 'Do not legitimize the gangs, do not legitimize Al-Jolani,' Alawite organizations called on the international community, human rights organizations, and all people of conscience to take action against the Alawite genocide.

Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) MP Celal Fırat, a prominent political figure within Alawite organizations, spoke to ANF.

Preparing to visit the people of Antakya, who are not only struggling with the aftermath of the earthquake but also mourning the massacre of their relatives, Fırat condemned officials from the ruling AKP for attempting to justify the HTS massacre of Alawites by calling them 'Esad remnants.' He stated: "They cannot just remain silent and let this pass. We expect them to take a stand and speak out against these massacres, against this crime against humanity.''

Stop the Alawite massacre, not us!

Fırat stated that since HTS took control in Syria, attacks against Alawites have escalated to the level of massacres, and Alawites in Turkey are watching these events with deep concern. Fırat emphasized that the support given by the ruling AKP to HTS has further intensified these fears. "Yesterday, even our attempt to lay a wreath in front of the Syrian Consulate in Istanbul was blocked by the district governor of Şişli and surrounded by police. On the one hand, they speak of peace and brotherhood, yet on the other, they pit people against each other. This is not right," he said. "Instead of setting up police barricades against us, they should stop the Alawite massacre in Syria."

We will not allow this to happen again

Fırat, who stated that he would be in Hatay today, emphasized that Hatay is only 149 kilometers from Latakia, where the Alawite massacre took place. He pointed out that the people of Antakya fear for their relatives there and are also deeply concerned for their own safety. Fırat emphasized that no one can avoid responsibility for these massacres by labeling the victims as ‘Esad remnants’ or ‘remnants of the old regime.’ He stated, "For years, they called us Alawites ‘remnants of the sword,’ and when that was not enough, they massacred us." We will not allow this to happen again. Tomorrow, as the DEM Party, we will stand with the people of Hatay."