Protest in Damascus calls for “Law and Justice” amid tensions and assaults

Hundreds of Syrians raised their voices during a sit-in and protest in central Damascus, calling for a dignified life, justice, equality, and the rule of law, according to ANHA correspondent.

Protesters expressed the peaceful nature of their movement by holding flowers and placing a wreath at the statue of Yusuf al-Azma, chanting: “We want law, justice, and dignity for all Syrians.”

As participation grew, demonstrators emphasized the unity of the Syrian people, rejecting what they described as the “selling of Syria to others.” They chanted: “Our souls are for Syria,” while demanding the implementation of UN Resolution 2254, the adoption of decentralization, and living standards that ensure a minimum level of dignity.

ANHA correspondent reported rising tensions during the protest, as it was monitored by a drone, raising fears among participants of potential reprisals. Reports also indicated threats from supporters of the interim government authorities, in addition to an attack by groups carrying white flags who labeled protesters as “remnants” and called for the sit-in to be dispersed.

An assault on a journalist was also documented while she was broadcasting live, with her screams heard during the incident.

At the conclusion of the protest, participants cleaned the area, reflecting the peaceful character of the movement.

For its part, the organization “Justice For All” condemned the escalating rhetoric of incitement, hate speech, and public threats against participants, especially following the circulation of footage showing a supporter threatening protesters with weapons.

Legal experts stated that public death threats without accountability reflect the absence of the rule of law, warning against escalating tensions through what they described as “pitting the street against the street.”

Organizers of the “Law and Dignity” sit-in outlined a set of demands, most notably halting price increases until wages are improved and linking them to living standards indicators. They also called for revising the pricing of essential services in line with purchasing power.

They further demanded combating monopolies and price manipulation, protecting public services such as electricity, water, healthcare, and education, and rejecting privatization without transparency and accountability.

Additional demands included guaranteeing the right to healthcare, education, and decent work, supporting public facilities, adopting merit and integrity in appointments, and establishing a social protection network for the most vulnerable groups.

Organizers stressed the need to respect public freedoms and constitutional rights, reverse discriminatory decisions, elect representative local councils, implement administrative reforms, and review dismissal decisions and evacuations in certain areas.

The demands also included activating transitional justice, preventing property seizures, ensuring transparency in decision-making, holding free elections for unions, establishing an independent judiciary, and supporting various economic sectors.

a.k

ANHA