Reports | 25 05 2020
Kidnapping women and girls guarantees higher ransom amounts for the perpetrators of this type of crime, which has become widespread in Syria; as Maher, a resident of Damascus—particularly given that the kidnappers play on the "honor" card in such cases.
The proliferation of incidents of kidnapping women and girls, that are by no means limited to the areas controlled by the Syrian regime; has prompted them to search for ways to protect themselves.
According to Samar, who works in a church in Damascus, "these so-called "safe" areas are not as safe as some may think. We heard about many cases of kidnappings that took place in broad daylight, especially by militants of the [pro-regime] National Defense [militia], who escort a kidnapped girl by force of arms without fearing anyone. They then start bargaining her freedom with her family, in order to reap the highest ransom amount."
This reality has prompted many churches and shops that usually operate on Friday in the [predominantly Christian] areas of Bab Touma, Qassaa, and Tijara, to exempt their employees—especially female—from work on Friday; for fear of them being kidnapped, according to Samar.
What About Knives?
Noor, a resident in the Barzeh housing project, says that she has found knives as a suitable self-defense solution—in the event of any emergency while on her way to university, or anywhere else.
The university student says: "One of my colleagues told me that an electricity stick, pepper spray, or anesthetic spray may be a solution."
According to Noor, most girls in Damascus whill not venture outside without one of these tools in their bags. Some girls even keep a sharp object, such as a knife, handy. Noor believes that carrying these tools should to become legitimized, in light of the deteriorating security situation plaguing the country.
Sticks and Pepper!
An electric stick may help ward off the danger of kidnapping for a woman. It is a stun tool with a security key is mounted onto its back, and connected by a small chain ring that is, in turn, wrapped around the wrist. When the stun tool is suddenly pulled from the hand, the security key is automatically disengaged, and the stun tool is activated on the assailant.
This electric stick is shaped similarly to a flashlight. It is circa 21 cm long, and retails for circa 20 thousand Syrian Pounds.
As for those looking for a cheaper and quicker defense tool, pepper spray is the answer. Once the pepper is sprayed on the face of the assailant, he will develop temporary blindness. It is a canister similar to a deodorant, that contains a mixture of hot ingredients such as red and black pepper, as well as alcohol. The price ranges between 2,500 and 5,000 Syrian Pounds.
"Natural" Ways
Lubna, on the other hand, prefers to adopt a different way to defend herself. She is taking lessons in karate, as she finds that kidnappers choose girls as victims because they can offer less physical resistance.
Lubna, therefore, sees that "the protection such tools give to a girl does not exceed 50%. Strengthening one's physical abilities offers the remaining missing 50%. It also is a useful physical and athletic activity."
High Crime Rate
There has been an 80% increase in the number of crimes committed in Syria during 2013 compared with the previous two years. There still are no statistics for 2014, thus far.
According to the head of Syrian Bar Association, Nizar Skeif, the most prevalent crimes in Syria today are car theft, breaking and entering, smuggling of goods, and violence; as well as the kidnapping of citizens by gangs that pose as security forces—according to him.
Skeif also talks about "an increase in sexual harassment crimes that have reached record levels in areas of tension. The threat of rape has become commonplace on a large scale."
As for the number of hostages according to Omar Oussi, regime's parliament MP; it ranges between 10 to 15 thousand kidnapped.
Indulgence on the Part of the Judiciary!
According to the letter of the law, all means of auto-defense such as electric sticks, knives, etc.; are considered prohibited weapons. Court rulings nowadays, however, allow resort to such prohibited tools in the case of self-defense only, as lawyer Adel Ayoub confirms.
He explains that in the event of a woman causing physical harm to an assailant, she will be held accountable for carrying a licensed or unlicensed tool only—not for causing or not causing bodily harm.
Some courts deal with causing harm as being a misdemeanor rather than a felony; as the intent is not murder, and the element of intent in itself is not available in such crimes.
According to lawyer Ayoub, these tools are not exclusive to girls or women alone; businessmen still residing in Syria have also resorted to acquiring the electric sticks to protect themselves against potential kidnappings.
Ayoub adds: "electricity sticks or pepper spray are smuggled into Syria. They are sold in markets like the electrical appliances' market in Bahsa [in Damascus]—but discreetly. This is a violation of the law, and may expose the seller to penalty that may reach a maximum of closing the offender's shop and sealing it with red wax.