National Coordination Body condemns attack on Damascus sit-In

The National Coordination Body for Democratic Change in Syria issued a statement today regarding the sit-in held in the capital Damascus on April 17, marking Syria’s independence from the French mandate.

The body said that several national figures and civil society groups participated in a sit-in at Al-Muhafaza Square in Damascus, calling for measures it described as “burdensome for Syrian citizens,” referring to issues related to electricity decisions, privatization policies, and public sector appointments.

According to the statement, the sit-in was subjected to an “assault and attack” during its peaceful gathering, which included the chanting of slogans and accusations against participants, labeling them as “remnants of the former regime,” in addition to harassment of some media outlets that covered the event.

It also noted that Mohammed Fadel Fatoum, a member of the executive bureau of the organization and a former opposition figure who spent years in prison under the previous Syrian government, was insulted during the incident.

The body reaffirmed its commitment to political freedom and peaceful expression, stating that what happened “undermines the slogans of the Syrian revolution,” foremost among them: “One, one, the Syrian people are one.”

It called for a comprehensive national conference with broad participation to establish the foundations of a “new social contract” based on freedoms, justice, and the rule of law, amid what it described as ongoing sectarian and regional tensions during the transitional period.

The statement concluded by stressing that the sit-in was peaceful and aimed at highlighting policies in need of review, urging a correction of the political course through comprehensive national solutions.

ANHA