Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused armed opposition groups in Syria of deliberately destroying religious sites in November and December 2012, following investigations in mixed areas of Northern Syria.
According to evidence examined and witness statements, a Shia mosque was destroyed and two Christian churches looted after their respective towns fell into opposition control.
Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch said:
“The destruction of religious sites is furthering sectarian fears and compounding the tragedies of the country, with tens of thousands killed. Syria will lose its rich cultural and religious diversity if armed groups do not respect places of worship. Leaders on both sides should send a message that those who attack these sites will be held accountable.”
See here for full HRW press release.
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