Social media has been ablaze in the coastal Syrian city of Latakia since Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's cousin Suleiman was accused of shooting dead senior air force officer Colonel Hassan al-Shiekh during a road rage incident in the city's streets last week.
Now for what's at least the first time in a while, the Alawites of Latakia — who generally make up a stronghold of support for the Assad family — are rallying in the streets calling for Suleiman's execution.
Just like the protests themselves, Suleiman's reactions have played out on social media, too.
So far, we've seen the Facebook account of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's cousin outline the events with updates every step of the way.
Over the last few days, various posts on his Facebook have made threats to return to Latakia and take revenge on protesters, 'checked-in to Lebanon, and the latest — a bizarre declaration of innocence.
Here's the post and translation.
أنا بريئ بكرا بدوب التلج وببان المرج ورح يتحاسب كل كلب غلط بحقيالصفحات الفيسبوك يلي طلعت باسمي أنا بريئ منها وبقلكن ي...
Posted by سليمان هلال الأسد on Sunday, August 9, 2015
Translation: I am innocent, the truth shall be revealed soon and everyone who insulted me will be punished. The Facebook pages with my name are not mine, and those who demonstrated against me should have joined the army and fought the terrorists instead, but you are all dogs and traitors. You will regret this after allowing the opposition to gloat. Before you punish me go punish who sold out Idlib and Palmira as well as the minister of Justice, when everyone gets his punishment I will accept mine. You have revealed your true face, your conspiracy has been revealed, your goal is to stand against al Assad family and assist the terrorists. Again I say you can’t even reach my shoe, you are all fake heroes from behind the screens. May god help the president with such stupid people, I will leave your comments to see what can you do.
