Syrian Journalist: Political, religious exploitation; mounting crises behind rise in hate speech

As hate speech and incitement intensify on social media platforms and in some media outlets in Syria, raising concerns about deepening divisions among the country’s communities and threatening civil peace, political activist and journalist Rawad Blan spoke to ANHA about the causes behind this trend, the role of parties that benefit from continued conflict in fueling it, and ways to limit its repercussions and promote coexistence among Syrians.

Blan began by warning of the dangers posed by the escalation of hate speech in Syria, noting that it has become one of the drivers of conflict. He said it is being exploited to advance political and religious agendas and spread through media outlets and social media platforms, deepening divisions among Syrian communities and increasing the risk of violence.

Blan explained that inciting rhetoric often draws on unverified historical narratives used to fuel hostility among Syrians, amid ongoing political, security and economic crises and the weakness of institutions capable of containing disputes and representing citizens’ interests and choices.

He noted that the absence of effective political and civil representation, coupled with the weakened role of trade unions, contributes to growing tensions. Some parties, he said, resort to blaming others for the problems they face, potentially leading them to attempt to impose their demands by force rather than pursuing peaceful means of expression.

Blan pointed out that the impact of hate speech extends beyond religious and ethnic divisions to include class-based and regional disputes, and even divisions within the same community. He warned that the continuation of these divisions could lead social groups to become isolated and inward-looking, paving the way for new waves of conflict and violence.

Regarding the media’s role, Blan argued that the declining influence of intellectuals and independent media, coupled with the growing power of armed groups, war profiteers and smugglers, has weakened society’s ability to confront incitement. He noted that some media organizations in the region and around the world operate according to political agendas that can fuel conflicts and spread hate speech.

He added that social media platforms have become major forces in shaping public opinion, as weak verification of information, sources and account identities makes it easier for inflammatory rhetoric to spread and more difficult to contain its impact.

Independent Institutions and Accountability Are Essential to Protecting Civil Peace

Blan stressed that protecting Syrians from discord and division cannot be the responsibility of citizens alone. It requires effective state institutions, political organizations, trade unions and civil society groups capable of representing society’s interests, curbing polarization and providing peaceful channels for expressing demands and resolving disputes.

He noted that weak institutions leave the door open for parties that benefit from continued conflict to expand their influence, while large segments of Syrian society remain affected by conflicts and their repercussions without having effective means to participate in shaping public life.

Addressing the responsibility of relevant authorities to hold those who incite hatred accountable, Blan emphasized the importance of an independent and impartial judiciary, independent media and civil society organizations dedicated to protecting freedoms and building peace. He said the weakness of these institutions, coupled with law enforcement being subject to the balance of power on the ground, limits the ability to confront hate speech and hold those responsible for incitement accountable.

He pointed out that political and civil society voices have called in recent months for legislation to curb hate speech and sectarian incitement. However, he expressed regret that no effective legal measures had been taken in this direction despite the growing rhetoric driven by sectarian loyalties and divisions.

Call to Verify Information and Reject Violence

In his message to Syrians, Blan urged people to verify information before adopting or sharing positions, think carefully before passing judgment, and avoid violent reactions. He stressed that interests, choices and opinions can be expressed through various means that do not involve violence.

Political activist and journalist Rawad Blan also stressed the need to avoid being drawn into inflammatory narratives aimed at turning Syrians against one another. He called for prioritizing dialogue and social awareness over intolerance to help protect relations among the country’s communities and preserve civil peace.

A-H 

ANHA