Demolition of houses begins in Damascus’ Barzeh

The Damascus Governorate has commenced demolishing houses and other properties in the Barzeh al-Balad locality following failed talks between representatives of the residents and the governorate.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights SOHR stated that security forces backed up by bulldozers and other heavy machinery came into the area located under the road, at the same time as the demolition of buildings began.

The Damascus Governorate was ready to give the residents a month to solve property issues in exchange for stopping new construction. But the agreement fell through due to new violations during the halt of works.

Residents were advised by the Shura Council of Barzeh al-Balad to stay calm and not escalate, stressing the need to distinguish between commercial constructions built in modern times and old constructions which have families who used to live in their homes before the war.

This escalation has occurred at a time when there are no alternatives to housing, and rent rates have gone very high. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights recommended the solution of this problem legally.

ANHA