DAA comments on peaceful protests along coast, in interior Syria

The Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria issued a statement today expressing deep concern over the escalating events unfolding along the Syrian coast and in several interior regions, following peaceful protests in which Syrians demanded their legitimate rights to freedom and dignity and called for the establishment of a democratic, federal Syria.

The administration condemned the intervention of forces affiliated with the transitional government to suppress peaceful demonstrations through excessive force, which resulted in civilian casualties. It said this constitutes a “blatant violation of Syrians’ right to peacefully express their opinions and legitimate demands.”

The statement voiced serious concern over this dangerous escalation and held officials in the transitional government responsible for these practices, which it said only deepen chaos, prevent Syrians from claiming their political and civil rights, and reproduce the policies of repression against which Syrians originally rose up.

It emphasized that such practices carried out by certain elements of the transitional government and fueled by hate speech, incitement, and sectarian tendencies—serve only the enemies of Syria and those seeking to undermine security and stability, as well as to sabotage efforts aimed at unifying the national Syrian discourse and building an inclusive future for all Syrians.

The Autonomous Administration affirmed that what is happening today is not the first time Syrian regions have been subjected to attacks and violations against civilians, recalling previous incidents in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh in Aleppo, southern Syria, and other areas. It stressed that this reality requires a serious national stance to put an end to these dangerous policies and to hold those responsible accountable.

The statement added that such practices pose a real obstacle to any consensus or comprehensive national dialogue and undermine opportunities to build a new, democratic, decentralized Syria after more than half a century of injustice and authoritarianism.

It further affirmed that Syria’s rich mosaic of ethnic, religious, and social diversity is a source of strength and pride for the country and its people, and that preserving, enhancing, and nurturing this diversity is the true guarantee of national unity and stability, rather than a cause of division or conflict.

The Autonomous Administration concluded by calling on all Syrians and national forces to intensify efforts and work jointly toward a comprehensive political solution based on dialogue and mutual recognition, away from hate speech, incitement, and hostility that seek to undermine civil peace and tear apart Syria’s social fabric.

ANHA