Bashar al-Assad's cousin makes unprecedented public criticism of security forces amid family rift

Sanctions-hit Syrian tycoon Rami Makhlouf said on Sunday that security forces were arresting employees at his companies "in an inhumane way" amid pressure on him to step down from his business empire and pay millions of dollars in tax.

Mr Makhlouf, a cousin of President Bashar al-Assad and widely considered part of the president’s inner circle, has a business empire that ranges from telecoms and real estate to construction and oil trading. He has played a big role in financing President Assad's war effort, Western officials say.

However, a major and unusually public rift has appeared between the cousins, with the alleged arrest of employees being the latest development.

"Today pressures began in an unacceptable ways and the security forces, in an inhumane way, are arresting our employees," Mr Makhlouf said in a video, in an unprecedented attack on the powerful security forces by one of the country's most influential figures.

"Mr President [Assad], the security forces have started attacking people's freedoms. These are your loyal supporters... The situation is dangerous and by God, if we continue, the situation of the country will be very difficult," Mr Makhlouf said.

The security forces did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Mr Makhlouf said in the video he had been asked to step down from his companies, including Syriatel, the country's largest mobile operator and main source of revenue for the sanctions-hit government.

"I have been asked today to step down from my companies and take instructions while I close my eyes," he said.

"Did anyone expect the security forces would pounce on Rami Makhlouf's companies who were their biggest supporters and their patron during the war?"

He said he would not bow to pressure to hand over his wealth.