Protesters remove the word “Governorate” from Government Building in Swedia

A number of people in the city of Swedia removed the word “Governorate” from the facade of the Government Building in the city center, in a move that local activists considered “symbolic, reflecting the protesters’ demand for administrative independence and the region’s non-affiliation with the interim government.”

This occurred during a march through the city streets before the participants headed to the Government Building, where video footage documented the moment the word was removed from the main facade amidst chants demanding “self-determination.”

This move came two days after a protest held in al-Karama Square, extending to the vicinity of the governorate building. Dozens of citizens participated, demanding information on the fate of those abducted and missing from the province, and emphasizing the families' right to accountability and justice.

These actions are part of a series of ongoing protests in Swedia that have been taking place for months, fueled by popular demands to reveal the fate of the abducted and missing, hold those responsible for the crimes committed against civilians last July accountable, and uphold their right to self-determination.

ANHA