Damascus – A Ugandan national working as a domestic employee in Syria has confessed to the murder of veteran Syrian actress Huda Shaarawi, according to authorities. The confession comes after Shaarawi, 87, was found dead in her Damascus apartment last month, sparking widespread grief throughout the Arab world.
The investigation initially focused on Vicky Ajok, the Ugandan housemaid, who reportedly fled the scene following the incident. Authorities have now stated that Ajok has confessed to the killing. Details surrounding the motive remain unclear, and the investigation is ongoing.
Shaarawi was a highly respected figure in Syrian television, best known for her role in the immensely popular drama series Bab Al Hara
. Her death prompted an outpouring of condolences from across the region. The Syrian artists’ syndicate formally mourned her passing, and numerous actors and directors publicly expressed their shock and sadness.
Actress Sulaf Fawakherji described the news as devastating and heartbreaking
, while director Rasha Sharbatgy labelled the killing brutal
and unimaginable
. These reactions underscore the significant cultural impact Shaarawi had within Syria and beyond.
Initial findings from the investigation indicated that Shaarawi died as a result of a violent assault, suffering severe bleeding from injuries caused by a blunt object. Security sources indicated the attack occurred between 5:00 a.m. And 6:00 a.m. Local time. The precise circumstances leading to the assault are still under investigation.
The case has drawn attention to the situation of domestic workers in Syria, and the vulnerabilities they may face. While details regarding Ajok’s employment conditions have not been released, the incident raises broader questions about the legal protections afforded to migrant workers within the country.
The Syrian conflict, which began in , has created a complex social and economic landscape. The ongoing instability has impacted all sectors of Syrian society, and the security situation in Damascus, while relatively calmer than in other parts of the country, remains fragile. The murder of a public figure like Shaarawi is likely to heighten anxieties and concerns about safety and security.
The investigation is being handled by Syrian authorities, and further details are expected to be released as the case progresses. The confession from Vicky Ajok represents a significant development in the inquiry, but many questions remain unanswered. The focus now shifts to establishing a clear motive and understanding the full sequence of events that led to Shaarawi’s death.
The incident also comes amid broader regional concerns about crime and security. Recent reports from neighboring countries, such as Rwanda, highlight ongoing challenges in addressing violent crime. A court in Kigali recently reduced the sentence for a woman convicted of child-killing, while another case involved a man sentenced for the deaths of ten children who drowned in the Nyabarongo River. These cases, while distinct from the Shaarawi murder, underscore the prevalence of violent crime in the region.
As of today, , the investigation into Huda Shaarawi’s death continues. The confession obtained from Vicky Ajok is a crucial step, but a thorough and transparent investigation will be essential to ensure justice is served and to address the broader issues surrounding the safety and security of individuals in Syria.
