ALBAWAB - A new video circulating across social media sparked controversy after it showcased several unknown individuals who dug out the grave of Syria's former president and politician, Hafez Assad.
According to several local reports, the grave, which is located in Qardaha in the Latakia Governorate, was dug out, including Hafez's bones, sparking widespread debate on the Syrian side of social media.
Many social media users expressed their anger towards the incident, claiming that despite opposing political views, these individuals should've refrained from disrespecting a resting corpse. They called the move "vile" and "inhumane."
Video: Syrians dig out Hafez Assad's grave
On the contrary, several others commended the unknown individuals because Hafez Assad had a hand in the 1982 Hama massacre. Hama witnessed a clash between the Syrian Arab Army and the Defense Companies paramilitary force, which lasted 27 days, causing the deaths of tens of thousands of people.
Hafez Assad ruled as the 18th president of Syria from 1971 until he died in 2000, after suffering from a sudden heart attack. He was born in Al Qardahah, Syria, and passed away in Damascus before being buried in his hometown.
Hafez's son, Bashar Assad, who succeeded him as the 19th president of Syria, was recently ousted in 2024 by Ahmed Al Sharaa's rebel army and fled to Moscow, Russia, alongside his family, putting an end to the long reign of the notorious Assad regime.