Syriac Orthodox Christian Detained Without Charges in Syria

Suleiman Khalil, a 52-year-old Syriac Orthodox Christian and former mayor of Sadad, has been held in Syrian custody without formal charges since February 8, 2025. Khalil is noted for his role in leading the defense of his town against an Islamic State assault in 2015. His current detention occurs under the administration of Ahmed al-Sharaa, which assumed power following the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad government in December 2024.

A coalition of advocacy groups, including Christian Solidarity International and In Defense of Christians, has raised concerns regarding Khalil’s health and lack of access to legal counsel or family visits. In an open letter to U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Tom Barrack, the signatories urged the United States to intervene with Syrian authorities. The letter argues that Khalil’s past efforts against ISIS should be recognized and requests that he be granted due process, medical care, or immediate release to ensure the new government upholds its stated commitment to protecting all Syrian citizens.