Mass rally in Qamishlo demands release of detainees

The Popular Initiative in Qamishlo organized a large-scale march today under the slogan: “The freedom of detainees is part of our freedom… We demand the release of our youth.” Hundreds of detainees’ families participated, alongside representatives from civil society organizations, political parties, and local community members.

The march began at the 12 March Stadium and culminated in a protest in front of the UNHCR office in Qamishlo, where participants called for the immediate release of all detainees held by the Syrian Interim Government since January 2026.

Protesters carried photos of detainees and banners reading: “We demand the release of our detainees because it is our right,” “Our mothers are waiting, where is justice?” “Freedom for detainees and prisoners,” “Detainees are a red line,” and “Where are your promises to release detainees?” Other slogans called for breaking prison chains and freeing the detained.

During the event, participants urged all relevant authorities to take responsibility regarding the detainee file, stressing the urgent need for a solution to end the suffering of families.

The event concluded with a bilingual statement read by relatives of the detainees: in Arabic by Wasel Asaad and in Kurdish by Amad Delbak.

The statement emphasized that their demand is primarily humanitarian, based on the detainees’ right to freedom and the necessity of respecting their dignity.

It also noted that the ongoing detention of detainees for more than two months exacerbates the humanitarian suffering of their families and increases tension and instability, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees.

Additionally, the statement called on humanitarian and human rights organizations to monitor the issue and exert pressure to ensure the safety and fundamental rights of the detainees.

ANHA