News | Syrian Feminist Platform
The news of Heba Haj Aref’s murder on the morning of 27th February 2024 has ignited intense emotions of anger among feminists, women’s rights advocates, feminist organisations, and women’s groups. Heba was mourned by the Syrian Women’s Network, Mussawa Organisation, Syrian Women’s Political Movement, Democratic Syrian Women’s Organisation, and many activists. They described the incident as a heinous crime and demanded an investigation to uncover the circumstances of her murder and hold the perpetrators accountable.
Mussawa Organisation expressed their condolences:
“Mussawa Organisation mourns the loss of feminist activist Heba Haj Aref, whose life was tragically cut short in her home in the city of Bza’ah, Syria. Despite local authorities labelling the incident as suicide, it is widely known that Heba faced numerous threats due to her civil activism, particularly in defending women’s rights. She was a dedicated member of the Syrian Women’s Network, the Women’s Support and Empowerment Unit, the Feminist Political Movement, and was a member of the local council of Bza’ah city. She resigned from her positions due to pressure and threats, and both she and her family had previously received death threats. Those who knew Heba cannot fathom her death as suicide. The evidence and past threats strongly suggest premeditated murder. We demand a thorough investigation to uncover the truth and bring the responsible individuals to justice, without any attempt to conceal the crime.”
The Syrian Women’s Political Movement also mourned their member Heba Haj Aref:
“The Syrian Women’s Political Movement mourns the loss of our esteemed member, Heba Haj Aref, who served as the director of Yeni Adam Organisation and was an active member of the Syrian Women’s Network. Heba was discovered murdered in her home in Bza’ah city, northeastern Aleppo countryside, following persistent threats from de facto authorities due to her activism and role in the Bza’ah local council, which ultimately led to her resignation. We strongly condemn this heinous crime and stress the urgency of uncovering the truth and holding all involved parties accountable. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Heba’s family, colleagues, comrades in the movement, and all who cherished her.”
The Syrian Women’s Network also confirmed Heba had been threatened with death for her refusal to resign from the local council in Bza’ah.
May Heba Haj Aref’s soul rest in peace, and may justice be served for her and all victims of societal and political violence against women.