DISINFO: Evidence shows chemical attacks in Syria were falsified by the White Helmets
SUMMARY
In India, a Russian expert presented evidence of the falsification of the chemical attacks in Syria. It is noted that the representatives of India paid due attention to information about the involvement of the White Helmets in the staging [of the chemical attacks]. They operate in the territories not controlled by Damascus.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring and enduring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the White Helmets. The "White Helmets" movement originated in Syria in 2012, when the first detachments of volunteer rescuers appeared in the territories outside the control of Bashar al-Assad's troops. In 2014, volunteer teams merged into a national organisation, the Syrian Civil Defence, which is the official name of the 'White Helmets'. Volunteers save people from the rubble after bombings, despite the danger to themselves as a result of repeated air strikes. Activists from this organisation have documented the use of chemical weapons in Syria by the Assad government and allied forces. Because of this, they have become the target of an extensive Russian disinformation campaign. Read previous disinformation claims alleging that France, UK, and the US support terrorists in Syria and that the chemical attacks in Syria have been staged and filmed by the media of the Western countries.