‘Hunted, Persecuted and Intimidated’: Syrian Opposition Politician Attacked in Germany
Syrian Opposition Politician Attacked in Germany
Ferhad Ahma, a member of Germany’s Green Party with Syrian roots, believes he was targeted by Damascus intelligence this week.
Following an attack on a local politician of Syrian origin in Berlin, members of Germany’s Green Party are accusing Syrian intelligence of perpetrating the beating. The victim, active in the local city council, is also a member of the opposition Syrian National Council. He had been threatened before.
Berlin authorities are investigating an attack that took place on Dec. 26 on a local politician of Syrian origin who is a member of the Syrian opposition. At around 2 a.m. on Monday morning, Ferhad Ahma was attacked by two unidentified assailants who had come to his door and identified themselves as police. The attackers apparently beat the 37-year-old with clubs, leaving him covered with bruises and other injuries.
The Green Party chapter in the city’s Mitte district, as well as a group of opponents of the regime of Bashar Assad, suspect the Syrian secret service may have been behind the attack on Ahma, who is a party member and active in city politics. Green Party members said their theory was supported by the fact that Ahma said his attackers appeared to be of Arab origin and that Ahma had previously received threats.
Volker Beck, a senior member of the Green Party’s group in the national parliament said that Ahma is a member of the opposition Syrian National Council. Beck has called on German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle to meet with the Syrian ambassador to discuss the incident. “It cannot be accepted that members of the Syrian opposition in Germany are hunted, persecuted and intimidated by Syrian services,” the he said. Beck added that Ahma should be provided with state protection in the future.
A spokeswoman at the Foreign Ministry said that German diplomats are aware of the incident and of the accusations against Syria. She said the ministry is in “contact with the responsible investigative authorities and has made clear its interest in a quick and comprehensive investigation of the incident.” Berlin police have also confirmed that charges have been filed in the case, although the background remains unresolved. The investigation has been taken over by a police unit responsible for probing incidents that may be politically motivated.