Abdul Rahim Atoun: The cowardly act targeting St. Elias Church is prohibited and criminalized by religious law, social norms, and civil law

Damascus, SANA-The Head of the Religious Affairs Advisory Office at the Presidency of the Republic, Mr. Abdul Rahim Atoun, affirmed that the cowardly act which targeted St. Elias Church in al-Dweilaa neighborhood of Damascus Sunday is strictly prohibited and criminalized under religious law, social customs, and the law.

On his Telegram channel, Atoun stated: “This criminal act is a compounded offense; it targeted a place of worship, which is inviolable, caused the deaths of numerous innocent and peaceful individuals whose lives and blood must be protected, and led to many injuries. It also aimed to incite chaos and destabilize security.”

He continued: “These are a series of crimes: prohibited by religious teachings, punishable by law, and rejected by the customs and values of our country. They constitute acts of corruption on earth, and those responsible should face deterrent penalties that prevent them and others from contemplating such thuggery again.”

Atoun added: “I extend my condolences to all those who lost loved ones in the church bombing. We pray that God grants patience and solace to the families of the victims, heals the wounded, supports the Ministry of Interior in apprehending the perpetrators, and helps the Ministry of Justice in imposing the appropriate punitive measures on them.”

Etemad/Manar Salameh