ALBAWABA - Syrian authorities have arrested three relatives in connection with the death of 12-year-old Noor Mohannad Al-Dous in the southern province of Daraa, after investigators concluded she died from severe physical abuse.
According to prosecutors, Noor's uncle confessed to fatally beating the child, while her father and another uncle were detained on allegations of helping conceal the crime by burying her body before reporting her missing.
A forensic examination found that Noor died several days before authorities were notified, with the cause of death identified as injuries sustained from a brutal beating.
The case has also drawn renewed attention to a long-running custody dispute. Noor had been living with her paternal family after a court transferred custody to her father following her parents' divorce and her mother's remarriage.
Members of Noor's maternal family claim they repeatedly warned judicial authorities that the child was being abused. They say earlier complaints, supported by photographs showing injuries, were dismissed despite concerns for her safety.
The Public Prosecutor said the judge named by the family denied receiving complaints from Noor's mother or uncle, maintaining that only visitation-related documents had been submitted.
In response to the case, Syria's Ministry of Justice announced the formation of an inspection committee to review the judicial procedures related to Noor's custody and determine whether any negligence occurred.
The ministry said the investigation remains ongoing and pledged to hold anyone found responsible for legal or administrative failures accountable, stressing that the protection of children's rights is a responsibility that cannot be compromised.
