Damascus artist Diala Salhi Al-Wadi latest victim in series of suspected Syria murders

Diala Salhi al-Wadi, a Syria-based actor who holds British and Iraqi citizenship, was killed in the al-Maliki neighbourhood of Damascus late on Sunday evening, a source in the country’s ministry of interior reported, in the latest killing in the capital.

The source told local media that the criminal investigation unit has already started a probe into the incident and is collecting forensic evidence from the crime scene.

The relevant authorities are taking the matter seriously, the official said, urging citizens not to listen to rumours, which comes amid fears over a crime wave sweeping Syria.

Al-Wadi is the daughter of the late Iraqi musician Sali Al-Wadi, who was regarded as one of the most prominent figures in contemporary Arabic music and founded the Higher Institute of Music in Damascus.

She graduated from the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in 1986, alongside other prominent artists such as Hatem Ali and Ghassan Massoud.

Local media reported that she was strangled to death and that the incident was part of a robbery, noting that the perpetrators stormed her apartment situated in an affluent neighbourhood of Damascus.

Some reports state that cash and gold were stolen from her apartment before the perpetrators reportedly fled the scene.

Her death has triggered widespread shock, particularly in the arts industry, with many mourning her, including Syrian Palestinian actress Shukran Murtaja, who described her as "a dear friend and the daughter of the maestro".

Artist Qassem Malhouf said the actor "exuded elegance and manners".

No official details have been announced yet regarding her funeral.

It comes amid a string of murders in Syria and sent shockwaves around the country in recent weeks.

Local Arabic media reported that the body of activist Kindi al-Adai was found hanged on Sunday, in his apartment in the al-Journa neighbourhood of Deir az-Zour, after returning from Germany around one month ago.

He was a well-known anti-Assad activist in Germany, and his return to Syria was an effort to shed light on the current events taking place in the country after the fall of the former regime.

UN spokesperson, Ravina Shamdasani, last month drew attention to credible reports of "widespread violations and abuses, including summary executions and arbitrary killings, kidnappings, destruction of private property and looting of homes" in the country, particularly in Suweida.