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PASOK MEP Nikolas Farantouris<\/strong> once again called for the European Union to intervene to protect the Christian populations of Syria, with a written question to the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Kaja Kallas.<\/p>\n His question to Kallas comes as an escalation began when a group of young men from the Greek Orthodox town of Suqaylabiyah<\/strong> confronted several Sunni Muslims who had arrived on motorcycles from the nearby town of Qal\u2019at al-Madiq, accusing them of harassing young women. <\/p>\n The confrontation quickly intensified, prompting the General Security Service (GSS) to intervene and detain multiple residents of Suqaylabiyah.<\/p>\n According to local accounts, the Sunni Muslims initially detained by residents were later permitted to leave the town, though no official explanation has been provided for their release.<\/p>\n Later that night, Sunni Muslim terrorists attacked a caf\u00e9 in the town, firing multiple shots and throwing a sound grenade before fleeing. The incident sparked widespread panic. In response, security forces boosted patrols throughout the town and shut down several access routes.<\/p>\n A young Greek Orthodox Christian named Elias Jabbour sustained a head injury amid the unrest and was hospitalized. After his discharge, he was arrested. Authorities also detained Dr. Ra\u2019if Shehadeh, which sparked considerable anger among residents.<\/p>\n As tensions escalated, residents of Suqaylabiyah organized a sit-in to demand the release of detainees. They condemned what they called \u201cholding the victims responsible for what happened\u201d and called for a transparent, independent investigation to uncover the full details of the incident and ensure accountability for everyone involved, regardless of their affiliation.<\/p>\n The question submitted by Farantouris to Kallas:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cIn recent hours, credible reports of new incidents of sectarian violence have increased. According to international news agencies, armed Sunni groups have been attacking residents, harassing women, causing property damage and vandalizing places of worship. <\/p>\n \u201cThe authorities have reportedly arrested members of the local Christian community who attempted to protect their families and property, while leaving the perpetrators unpunished! <\/p>\n \u201cThe Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and other Christian Churches are calling for a full and impartial investigation. <\/p>\n \u201cAs I stress in my written question, these incidents raise serious concerns about the state of human rights, religious freedom and the protection of Syria\u2019s indigenous Christian communities, which are an integral part of the region\u2019s historical and cultural heritage. <\/p>\n \u201cI therefore call on the EU High Representative: <\/p>\n \u201ca) To state in writing whether she considers that the Syrian authorities are meeting the necessary requirements for the protection of human rights. <\/p>\n \u201cb) To apply the principle of conditionality to all forms of economic cooperation with Damascus, with a focus on the effective protection of religious and ethnic communities. <\/p>\n \u201cc) To take concrete initiatives to ensure that European policy for the stabilisation of Syria is accompanied by credible guarantees for the security, equality and rights of the country\u2019s indigenous Christian communities.\u201d<\/p>\n