Russian media: Douma chemical attack 'staged' by White Helmets

World
Europe

01:39

A Russian media outlet claims the alleged chemical attack in Syria on April 7 was "staged" by the West-backed "White Helmets." It said the five-year-old NGO – which claims to be Syria's Civil Defense – fabricated the scene and coaxed young children to play along.

Russia 24's war correspondent received the story from the town of Douma. He said the "White Helmets" used food to entice the children to cooperate with their coverage. Eleven-year-old Hassan Diab was one of them.

"Someone on the street shouted: 'go to the medical center,' and we just went there. But a stranger grabbed my arm once I got in, and kept pouring water on me. They then raised us onto a bed to lie together with the others," the 11-year-old boy said.

Hassan's father confirmed his son's words. He said he didn't notice any toxic substances in the air, and his son felt fine when they met him.

"I put down the job I was doing the minute I knew my son went to hospital. There were no chemical weapons at all. And I've smoked on the streets and I didn't feel any difference. Then I went into the medical center and saw my family. The 'White Helmets' were sending biscuits and rice to those who've participated in the shooting. Everyone just went back home. My son didn't feel bad."

Allegations that the Syrian government is using chemical weapons against its own people are often brought up by the West.

But the Russian foreign ministry said Syrian forces found chemical weapons in the embattled Eastern Ghouta region, which came from Germany and Britain. Eastern Ghouta had been under the control of the Western-backed rebels, before it was recently taken over by the regime.