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Syria’s Rami Makhlouf Lashes Out at ‘Traitors’

A woman watches the Facebook video of Syrian businessman Rami Makhlouf on her mobile in Syria's capital Damascus, on May 11, 2020. Syria/AFP
A woman watches the Facebook video of Syrian businessman Rami Makhlouf on her mobile in Syria's capital Damascus, on May 11, 2020. Syria/AFP
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Syria’s Rami Makhlouf Lashes Out at ‘Traitors’

A woman watches the Facebook video of Syrian businessman Rami Makhlouf on her mobile in Syria's capital Damascus, on May 11, 2020. Syria/AFP
A woman watches the Facebook video of Syrian businessman Rami Makhlouf on her mobile in Syria's capital Damascus, on May 11, 2020. Syria/AFP

Syrian tycoon Rami Makhlouf, a cousin of Bashar Assad, escalated his verbal attacks at Syria’s security forces, accusing them of carrying out "the biggest robbery in the Middle East" for the benefit of “traitors” and those who amassed wealth during the war.

Syrian security services have released dozens of employees working in companies run by Makhlouf last week, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.

In a Tuesday Facebook post, the Syrian tycoon accused the government of transferring assets from his Ramak Development and Humanitarian Projects holding company to politically-connected businessmen.

“The biggest fraud operation in the Middle East is taking place under the cover of security forces in favor of those making fortunes from the war. These are not only ruining the country, but also robbing humanitarian organizations,” he wrote.

Makhlouf said he sent a letter to the chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council after similar messages sent to the government went unanswered.

“Aren’t you satisfied with all that you got so you steal the money of the poor?” he asked.

The 51-year-old businessman became embroiled in a power struggle with the state last year, when authorities seized control of his charity, Al-Bustan, and dissolved armed groups affiliated to him.

Syrian authorities have claimed Syriatel owes money to the government, including outstanding fees for maintaining its operating licenses.

The Syrian Observatory has said security forces released 41 of Syriatel's employees and 57 former staff of the Al-Bustan charity in addition to 58 army officers and soldiers connected to a former Makhlouf-funded, pro-regime militia.

Makhlouf said security forces were arresting his employees to pressure him to give up his companies, most notably Syriatel.

Last year, authorities froze the assets of several businessmen over tax evasion and illicit enrichment, including that of Makhlouf, his wife and firms.

The government in May ordered the seizure of assets from Makhlouf and his family, then slapped a travel ban on the businessman.

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Arab World

Jordan Moves to Ban Muslim Brotherhood as ‘Illegal’ Group

Jordanian government spokesman Mohammad Momani announces details of terrorist cell arrests in Amman. (Petra)
Jordanian government spokesman Mohammad Momani announces details of terrorist cell arrests in Amman. (Petra)
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Jordan Moves to Ban Muslim Brotherhood as ‘Illegal’ Group

Jordanian government spokesman Mohammad Momani announces details of terrorist cell arrests in Amman. (Petra)
Jordanian government spokesman Mohammad Momani announces details of terrorist cell arrests in Amman. (Petra)

As the fallout continues from Jordan’s recent security crackdown on a militant cell accused of manufacturing missiles and drones, officials remain tight-lipped about why a court-banned branch of the Muslim Brotherhood continues to operate freely.

The group, declared illegal by a final court ruling in 2020, has maintained its political activities with apparent impunity—a contradiction analysts say points to selective enforcement of the law.

While Jordanian authorities have detained extremists over what was described as a “chaos plot,” they have avoided confronting the unlicensed movement. The Brotherhood’s continued presence, despite Article 159 of the penal code criminalizing illegal associations with potential jail sentences, has puzzled observers.

Analysts say the government’s “soft containment” approach reflects a broader political culture in Amman that avoids clashes with groups enjoying popular support, even if that means ignoring binding court decisions.

Critics argue the state’s flexibility towards the Brotherhood undermines legal consistency and raises questions about the rule of law, especially as other groups face swift and public consequences.

Jordan’s government appears to have taken a markedly tougher stance following the recent exposure of the militant cell allegedly backed by foreign actors and accused of planning attacks with home-built missiles and drones targeting domestic sites—not under the pretext of “supporting the resistance in Gaza”.

The discovery of the plot has prompted a reassessment within the country’s decision-making circles, which are now closely watching for verdicts from the State Security Court—the judicial body with jurisdiction over terrorism and national security cases.

While authorities have clamped down on the immediate threat, they have stopped short of confronting the unlicensed Muslim Brotherhood group and its political wing, the Islamic Action Front.

Analysts say officials are treading cautiously, wary of provoking parliamentary unrest or street mobilizations that the faction could spearhead if directly challenged.

The government’s current posture suggests a strategic pause—one that balances national security concerns with the potential political fallout of taking on a well-rooted opposition force.

Jordanian decision-makers, however, are stepping up preparations on multiple fronts as the country braces for a possible legal showdown with the Brotherhood.

Authorities are weighing the implications of formally designating the Brotherhood as an unlicensed entity, a move that would entail shutting down its activities, seizing its assets and properties, and treating any political statements or public events linked to its members as violations subject to prosecution under the penal code and counterterrorism laws.

Behind the scenes, government institutions are working to draw a legal and operational distinction between the Brotherhood and the Islamic Action Front, which remains registered under the country’s political parties law.

This delicate balancing act hinges on upcoming hearings at the State Security Court, expected to begin next week. However, officials fear that any legal escalation could spark backlash, including street protests or social media campaigns led by the Islamic Action Front.

Analysts say such a scenario could force authorities to take more decisive measures, including dissolving the party itself, in a bid to dismantle what critics view as a monopolized Islamist platform and reassert control over religious political representation in the kingdom.