Three-year-old Jannat al-Afis died after being beaten and abused by her father in the town of al-Husseiniya, in rural Deir ez-Zor. She had been subjected to repeated violence by him. Last month, he was detained for 20 days following a complaint over the abuse he had inflicted on her. He was later released and, by court order, regained custody of Jannat from her paternal uncle, who had been caring for her. Her death exposes the consequences of a failing justice system, neglect, and the absence of laws to protect children.
Jannat’s killing has also reopened the case of her mother, who died several months earlier after setting herself on fire. She had endured violence from her husband. Her death was recorded as a #suicide, and no action was taken against him, despite his known drug use and complaints filed by his brother and sisters over his violence against his wife and daughter.
In a previous case, Noor Muhannad al-Dous was killed by her paternal uncle in late July in the town of Namer, near Nawa in rural Daraa. Her father covered up the killing. Noor’s parents were separated, and she had lived with her mother for more than 11 years before a court ruling transferred custody to her father. Before Noor was killed, her mother had filed complaints about the abuse she was experiencing, but received no response.
May Jannat, Noor, and all victims of violence rest in peace. Their killers must face justice, and everyone who failed to protect them must be held accountable.
