Activists protest against Damascus regime in As-Suwayda

Secular activists renewed their protest today in front of the governorate building in As-Suwayda, denouncing the policies of the Damascus regime and the ongoing violations against civilians. They demanded the departure of Mustafa Bakour, one of the most prominent figures associated with Shara'a in As-Suwayda.

During the protest, banners were raised calling for freedom and social justice and denouncing "terrorism" that has caused the deaths of many innocent people. The banners read, "Opening the crossings does not mean secession, but rather economic openness with neighboring countries" and "The Sharia government does not represent us." Slogans affirmed that the blood of martyrs, such as Hatem Abu Saad, who died in search of a livelihood, will not be in vain. They emphasized the continuation of the demand for justice and retribution against the killers.

During the event, activist Samaher al-Andari told our agency, "This protest came in response to recent crimes, particularly the killing of Hatem Abu Saad, a young man from the town of Habran in As-Suwayda Governorate, near the outskirts of Homs, while attempting to travel to Lebanon in search of a livelihood. The young man and another man who was with him were arrested by a group who found nothing but their settlement card in their possession. Their families subsequently lost contact with them."

Samaher Al-Andari emphasized that "As-Suwayda has witnessed many similar incidents since the al-Jolani group seized power, with the escalation of attacks against minorities on the coast and in southern Syria, which exacerbated the suffering of the population and prompted them to take action and demand radical change."

Al-Andari added, "Today, we stand against the al-Julani government, which has stolen the blood of our children for the sake of a living. We will not remain silent about these crimes, and we will not believe the promises of a group classified as a terrorist organization internationally.

 We say yes to national banks and no to private banks that aim to steal from the people through devious means." The protesters demanded the opening of Jordanian crossings to improve the collapsing economic situation.

 They emphasized, "We are messengers of peace. We want to live in dignity. We reject unjust policies and dream of a homeland that fulfills our aspirations for freedom and equality."

Lawyer Lina Abu Hamdan also participated in the protest, calling on all Syrians to join the peaceful popular movement. She said, "The terrorist government does not represent us. Five months of false promises of reform were enough to expose their deceit. They have destroyed institutions and violated the rights of Syrians."

T/S

ANHA