Syrian Woman Confronts UN Delegation at Saidnaya Prison (video)
During a visit to Saidnaya Prison, Syrian woman confronted UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen, expressing frustration over UN inaction with a video of her emotional outburst shared widely. Her shoe-throwing incident symbolized deep resentment among Syrians regarding international responses to the ongoing crisis, highlighting persistent human rights concerns in Syria.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
In a dramatic turn of events, a Syrian woman confronted UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and his delegation during their visit to the notorious Saidnaya Prison in Damascus. The incident, which was captured on video and widely shared on social media platforms, has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of UN interventions in Syria.
Emotional Outburst
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The woman, visibly distressed, shouted at Pedersen and his team, exclaiming, "Why have you come now? We don't want you anymore, get out!" This outburst reflects the frustration and anger felt by many Syrians who have lost family members or have loved ones still missing in the country's prison system.
Symbolic Gesture
In a powerful symbolic act reminiscent of the Iraqi journalist who threw his shoe at former US President George W. Bush, the Syrian woman reportedly threw her shoe at the UN delegation's vehicles. This gesture is considered a profound insult in Arab culture and underscores the depth of her emotions.
Context of the Visit
Pedersen's visit to Saidnaya Prison came just a day after his meeting with Ahmed Al-Shara'a in Damascus, where they discussed the importance of reviewing UN Resolution 2254, which outlines a roadmap for peace in Syria. The prison, known for its poor reputation, has long been a subject of concern for human rights organizations.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the international community in addressing the Syrian crisis. The woman's actions and words encapsulate years of perceived inaction and ineffectiveness of UN efforts in Syria. Her cry, "Why have you come now?" resonates with many Syrians who feel that international intervention has come too late and achieved too little.
The confrontation at Saidnaya Prison serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated pain and unresolved issues that continue to plague Syria, even as diplomatic efforts persist to bring about a resolution to the long-standing conflict.
