ISTANBUL

The Syrian Civil Defense (White Helmets) issued an appeal Thursday urging authorities to protect mass graves believed to contain the remains of civilians killed under the ousted Bashar Assad regime.

The humanitarian group highlighted concerns over unprofessional handling of the graves, warning that random exhumations could damage vital forensic evidence needed to uncover the fate of missing persons and hold perpetrators accountable.

It called on Syrian authorities and media outlets to respect the sanctity of these sites and prevent tampering.

“Dealing with mass graves requires a judicial mandate, specialized teams and legal authorization, in addition to the presence of specialized technicians and specialized laboratories to ensure scientific and accurate handling of the remains,” it said in a statement.

The group emphasized that mishandling mass graves not only violates victims’ dignity but also deepens the anguish of families awaiting news of their loved ones.

It appealed to families of the forcibly disappeared to exercise patience and avoid visiting or disturbing grave sites.

The White Helmets also stressed the importance of ethical media coverage, urging journalists to report responsibly while respecting victims’ dignity and families' emotions.

On Dec. 16, Anadolu documented mass graves in the Baghdad Bridge area near Damascus.

The site is believed to contain the remains of civilians killed during the Assad regime’s rule.

Syrian Civil Defense teams have initiated investigations at the location.