Suwayda - The murder of a young woman and her father has sparked widespread outrage and grief among the local community in As-Suwayda, with growing calls to toughen penalties for perpetrators of family-related crimes and to provide greater protection for women at risk of violence.

In the tragic incident that took place in the town of Shahba, south of Syria, 24-year-old Fatina Hamzeh lost her life after being shot twice — once in the chest and once in the back - while standing in front of the Agricultural Credit Bank. Her father, Shaafe’ Hamzeh, was also wounded by gunfire to the thigh and chest, and both succumbed to their injuries despite medical efforts to save them.

According to security sources on Thursday, October 23, the perpetrator was immediately arrested at the scene. Investigations revealed that he was the victim’s ex-husband, with early reports suggesting family-related motives behind the crime.

The murder, which occurred in broad daylight in front of the bank, caused panic among bystanders and prompted authorities to tighten security measures in the area.