Christian Watchdog Raises Alarm Over Detention of Syrian Christian Leader
A Christian persecution watchdog has raised concerns over the treatment of Christians in Syria, pointing to the detention of a prominent Christian leader as part of a wider pattern of religious persecution in the country.
In Defense of Christians (IDC) has urged Christian advocacy organizations to appeal to U.S. President Donald Trump and members of Congress for the release of Suleiman Khalil, who has reportedly been held for 19 months without formal charges.
Khalil, the former mayor of Sadad—a historic Christian town—played a key role in defending the community during ISIS attacks and the mass killings and kidnappings that targeted Christians in 2015. He was arrested by Syria’s transitional government in February 2025.
According to advocacy groups, Khalil has been denied legal representation, while his family alleges that prison authorities have prevented him from practicing his Christian faith during his detention. They argue that his imprisonment reflects the growing insecurity faced by Christian communities across Syria.
Richard Ghazal of IDC said Khalil was “abducted from his home and thrown in prison without access to counsel, with limited access to family and medical care.” He added that the case is “not simply about an individual,” but a signal to Christians throughout Syria that they are increasingly unwelcome and vulnerable to discrimination.
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