Is This Image of the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor with Fadi Saqr?

A recently circulated image claimed to show Syria's Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Fadi Al-Qasim, alongside Fadi Saqr, a leader in the National Defense Militia that supported the former Assad regime. Some posts further alleged the photo was taken in the Al-Tadamon neighborhood, featuring senior figures from General Security and Intelligence in Damascus. However, this claim is misleading.

Refute the claim

Following the spread of these claims, Verify Syria conducted an investigation. We contacted the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, which confirmed the claim was false. The ministry explained the photo was taken during the early stages of liberation, at a meeting in the Directorate of Social Affairs and Labor in Latakia. 

The meeting involved the former director, Ammar Al-Ahmad, overseeing work progress and handing over his duties to the current director, Mahmoud Haj Ibrahim, who is visible in the photo. The confusion stemmed from the fact that Ammar Al-Ahmad is the brother of Fadi Al-Ahmad, also known as "Al-Saqr."

Photo caption: “From right to left: Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Fadi Al-Qasem, former director Ammar Al-Ahmad (brother of Fadi Al-Ahmad 'Saqr'), and the newly appointed director Mahmoud Haj Ibrahim”

Statement from the Ministry

“Recently, a photo was circulated showing the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor with a person claimed to be Fadi Saqr. We confirm that this photo dates back to the early period of liberation, taken at the Directorate of Social Affairs and Labor in Latakia during a meeting with the former director, Ammar Al-Ahmad. This was part of reviewing work progress and handing over duties to the current director, Mr. Mahmoud Haj Ibrahim. We also clarify that Ammar Al-Ahmad is the brother of Fadi Al-Ahmad, known as 'Al-Saqr.' The family is referred to as 'Beit Saqr.'”

Protests in Al-Tadamon

On February 7, a protest erupted in Al-Tadamon, Damascus, demanding the arrest of Fadi Saqr for his alleged crimes during his time with the National Defense Militia. This followed reports of Saqr's visit to Nasreen Street in the neighborhood, coinciding with a large security operation. 

Residents accuse Saqr of orchestrating the notorious Al-Tadamon massacre, in which 41 people were killed in April 2013, with their bodies dumped in a pit. This massacre was detailed in an investigation by The Guardian in April 2022.

Verify Syria is monitoring reports related to Saqr’s presence in Al-Tadamon and his potential arrest. However, we have not yet received confirmed details or an official statement.

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