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Release: White Helmets volunteer killed in Syria moments after Nobel Peace Prize announcement
The Syria Campaign launches ‘People’s Million’ campaign to match Nobel fund
Friday 7th October 2016 — A volunteer for the Syria Civil Defence or White Helmets, was killed today in Daraa, Syria, moments after the Nobel Peace Prize was announced in Oslo. Mahmoud Al Muhammad, 24, died at approximately 1330 local time. He leaves behind a wife and three children.
According to the Syria Civil Defence, Al Muhammad was part of a rescue team which was responding to an attack on civilians leaving Friday prayers. The Syria Civil Defence rushed to the scene and Al Muhammad was killed by a rocket artillery strike. The Syrian regime launched 24 rockets in the attack.
Separately, advocacy group The Syria Campaign today announced a USD $1m fundraising push, dubbed ‘The People’s Million’, aimed at matching the amount that is given to winners of the Nobel Peace Prize. The fund can be found at http://www.whitehelmets.org/
Director of The Syria Campaign, Anna Nolan said:
“Today the White Helmets lost a brave volunteer and narrowly missed out on the Nobel Peace Prize. Over the past few days the outpouring of love and support for these heroes has been overwhelming. That’s why we’re launching the ‘People’s Million’ campaign.
“Every penny raised will go towards replacing their life-saving equipment, looking after injured volunteers and helping the families of those like Mahmoud who were killed saving others. They truly deserve our support.”
Mahmoud’s death brings the number of White Helmets killed in action to 146. The group has saved over 62,000 lives during the conflict. Their nomination for the Nobel Peace prize was one of the most popular in history, generating the support of over 300,000 people.
ENDS
Syria Civil Defence Twitter: @syriacivildef
The fund can be found at http://www.whitehelmets.org/
Pictures of Mahmoud are available here
For more information please contact [email protected]
The Syria Campaign is an independent advocacy group campaigning for the protection of civilians. Find out more at www.TheSyriaCampaign.org