The Syrian Democratic Council (MSD or SDC) released a statement announcing the arrest of its co-chair, Ghassan Al-Youssef.
Strongly condemning and categorically denouncing the arrest of Ghassan Al-Youssef, MSD considers this action an unacceptable and arbitrary measure that constitutes a serious violation of the principles of political engagement. Also, it views this action as an unjustified attempt to target national figures who have chosen transparent, peaceful political work in service of their communities and Syria as a whole.
“The arrest of Al-Youssef sets a dangerous precedent that cannot be justified or overlooked. It sends deeply negative signals that contradict any claims of de-escalation or political openness. Targeting a political figure known for supporting national dialogue, institutional work, and constructive solutions undermines stability. It also runs counter to the requirements of the current phase, which should be focused on reducing tensions and rebuilding trust,” said the MSD statement on Wednesday.
In this context, the MSD affirms that Al-Youssef, like many others who have worked within or alongside the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), has always been an integral part of Syria’s national fabric: “They have consistently supported negotiation, peaceful resolution, and national integration. Their decision to remain among their people and work under complex and difficult conditions was not an act of confrontation. Rather, it reflected a sense of national and moral responsibility and a clear belief in Syria’s unity and the necessity of a democratic transition.”
The MSD further stresses that the project of the AANES has never been a separatist endeavor or a project of division, saying: “It is a Syrian initiative that emerged in the context of state collapse, aiming to protect communities, preserve social peace, and pave the way for a comprehensive political solution.”
Throughout its various stages, this project has reaffirmed its commitment to Syria’s territorial unity and adopted dialogue as the sole means to address differences, MSD underlined.
The statement continued: “Targeting individuals who have chosen peaceful political engagement, and holding local communities accountable for national choices that protected them from the brutality of the former Assad’s regime, is both illegitimate and unacceptable. No authority has the right to punish people for remaining in their regions or for participating in administrative experiences that ensured their protection during wartime. Today, these communities need reassurance, guarantees, and recognition — not measures that deepen their fears and exacerbate past suffering.”
Accordingly, the MSD demands the immediate release of Al-Youssef. It considers the continuation of his detention a clear escalation, for which the responsible party bears full responsibility. The MSD explicitly condemns the policy of targeting national political figures and peaceful civic actors. Additionally, it firmly rejects holding civilians and local communities responsible for political or security transformations imposed by the realities of conflict. The MSD also renews its call to address such issues within a political framework that prioritizes stability and creates the opportunity for national dialogue and mutual understanding.
“As it expresses this clear and resolute position, the MSD reaffirms its unwavering commitment to peaceful political action and to pursuing a comprehensive national solution. Such a solution must safeguard Syria’s unity and sovereignty, and lay the foundation for a new phase based on justice and democratic transition, free from exclusion and collective punishment. Freedom for Ghassan Al-Youssef. Freedom for all political detainees,” the statement concluded.