Toggle navigation menu.

Putin’s Syrian Puppet: War Crimes and Complicity from Syria to Ukraine

Rayburn 2247

Members

Representative Joe Wilson

Chairman

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe

Representative Steve Cohen

Ranking Member

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe

Representative Mike Lawler

Commissioner

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe

Representative Victoria Spartz

Commissioner

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe

Representative Marc Veasey

Commissioner

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe

Senator Richard Blumenthal

Commissioner

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe

Witnesses

M. Night Shyamalan

Co-Founder and President of The M. Night Shyamalan Foundation

Film Director, Producer, and Screenwriter

Mohammed Alaa Ghanem

Syrian Civil Society Leader and Human Rights Activist

Mouaz Moustafa

Executive Director of the Syrian Emergency Task Force

For over 13 years, the Assad regime has been perpetrating war crimes and other grave human rights abuses against the Syrian people. The Russian support to the regime has been critical in perpetuating these atrocities. The hearing will address the extent of the suffering inflicted upon the Syrian people and examine the broader implications of Russia’s involvement in civilian killings, crimes against humanity and suppressing dissent. By understanding the origin and mechanisms of this unholy collaboration, the hearing will highlight the urgent need for accountability and explore effective strategies to counter the dictatorial regime and its main supporter – the Kremlin.

Russia’s military and political backing of Assad has not only enabled the regime to maintain its grip on power but also to intensify its brutal campaign against Syrian civilians. The hearing will detail specific instances of war crimes, including indiscriminate bombings, chemical weapon attacks, and the systematic torture of detainees. Expert testimonies will provide insight into how Russia’s support strengthens Assad, thus creating a dire humanitarian crisis that demands international intervention and justice.

The hearing will also explore the link between Russia’s actions in Syria and its war against Ukraine. The tactics employed by Russia to crush dissent in Syria mirror those it uses to destroy and occupy parts of Ukraine. By confronting Russia’s imperial ambitions in Syria, the hearing will send a clear message that the international community should not tolerate such violations of sovereignty and human rights. Addressing these issues is crucial not only for the stability of the Middle East but also for the security and sovereignty of Ukraine.

The hearing will underscore the necessity of holding both the Assad regime and Russia accountable for their crimes. Implementing measures to counter Russian influence in Syria can weaken its capacity to pursue similar strategies in Ukraine, thereby contributing to a safer and more stable Europe. The hearing will aim to contribute to shaping a comprehensive and effective response to these intertwined crises.

Category
Country
Issue
Date
Filter Topics Open Close
In the News

Bipartisan House members push Biden to allow Poland ...

Oct 30, 2024

In the News

US Weighs NATO Ally’s Offer To Shoot Down Russ...

Nov 01, 2024

screen-reader-text
In the News

Bipartisan report urges rethink of America’s Russia ...

Sep 28, 2024

screen-reader-text
In the News

Wilson Talks Russia Strategy

Oct 02, 2024

screen-reader-text
Press Releases

Chairman Wilson Issues Statement on Government Raids...

Oct 25, 2024

WASHINGTON—Today, US Helsinki Commission Chairman Joe Wilson (SC-02), issued the following statement regarding the government raids on the homes of the two Tbilisi, Georgia-based researchers with the US-based Atlantic Council: “It […]

screen-reader-text
Press Releases

Chairman Wicker, Senators Shaheen, Durbin Honor Bela...

May 28, 2025

WASHINGTON—U.S. Helsinki Commission Chairman Senator Roger Wicker (MS), Commissioner Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH), and Senator Dick Durbin (IL) today issued a statement on the fifth anniversary of the arrest of […]

screen-reader-text
Press Releases

Ranking Member Rep. Cohen Marks Belarus Political Pr...

May 21, 2025

WASHINGTON—U.S. Helsinki Commission Ranking Member Representative Steve Cohen (TN-09), OSCE PA Special Representative on Political Prisoners, today issued a statement marking the Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus. […]

screen-reader-text
Press Releases

Helsinki Commission House Leadership Issue Statement...

May 16, 2025

WASHINGTON—U.S. Helsinki Commission Co-Chairman Representative Joe Wilson (SC-02) and Ranking Member Representative Steve Cohen (TN-09) today issued a statement ahead of Romania’s presidential elections this weekend: “Romania is a core […]

screen-reader-text
Press Releases

Bipartisan Helsinki Commission Leadership Express Al...

May 06, 2025

WASHINGTON—U.S. Helsinki Commission Chairman Senator Roger Wicker (MS), Co-Chairman Representative Joe Wilson (SC-02), Ranking Member Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), and Ranking Member Representative Steve Cohen (TN-09) today expressed their alarm […]

screen-reader-text
Press Releases

Bipartisan Helsinki Commission Leadership Express Ou...

May 02, 2025

WASHINGTON—U.S. Helsinki Commission Chairman Senator Roger Wicker (MS), Co-Chairman Representative Joe Wilson (SC-02), Ranking Member Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), and Ranking Member Representative Steve Cohen (TN-09) today expressed their outrage […]

screen-reader-text
Press Releases

Bipartisan Helsinki Commission Members Express Suppo...

Apr 25, 2025

WASHINGTON— U.S. Helsinki Commission Chairman Senator Roger Wicker (MS), Co-Chairman Representative Joe Wilson (SC-02), Ranking Member Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), Ranking Member Representative Steve Cohen (TN-09), Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09), […]

screen-reader-text
Articles

Myths & Facts about Russia’s War on Ukraine

Apr 08, 2025

MYTH: NATO expansion provoked Russia’s war against Ukraine. FACT: Russia’s war on Ukraine is a continuation of Russia’s centuries-long policy of treating Ukraine as a vassal state to be subjugated. […]

screen-reader-text
Press Releases

Bipartisan Helsinki Commission Leadership Respond to...

Apr 03, 2025

WASHINGTON—Today, the leadership of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, Chairman Senator Roger Wicker (MS), Co-Chairman Representative Joe Wilson (SC-02), Ranking Member Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), and Ranking Member Representative Steve Cohen […]

screen-reader-text
Press Releases

Bipartisan Helsinki Commission Members Express Conce...

Apr 02, 2025

WASHINGTON—U.S. Helsinki Commission Chairman Senator Roger Wicker (MS), Co-Chairman Representative Joe Wilson (SC-02), Ranking Member Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), Ranking Member Representative Steve Cohen (TN-09), Commissioner Representative Marc Veasey (TX-33), […]

screen-reader-text
Statements

Bipartisan Helsinki Commission Leadership Marks Sole...

Feb 24, 2025

WASHINGTON—Today, the bipartisan leadership of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, Chairman Senator Roger Wicker (MS), Co-Chairman Representative Joe Wilson (SC-02), Ranking Member Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), and Ranking Member Representative Steve […]

screen-reader-text
Press Releases

Senator Roger Wicker Appointed Chairman of the U.S. ...

Feb 12, 2025

WASHINGTON—The Presiding Officer, on behalf of the Vice President, last week announced the appointment of U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., as chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in […]

screen-reader-text
In the News

Ukraine Could Get ‘War-Winning Weapons’ ...

Feb 11, 2025

screen-reader-text