Protests in Jazeera cities escalate demands for prisoners' immediate release

The pace of popular protests demanding the disclosure of the fate of hundreds of prisoners held by the Interim Government and their release is escalating day by day. On Monday, the families of prisoners and hundreds of residents of the cities of Qamishlo, Derik and Girkê Legê in the Jazira region organized demonstrations and protests to demand the immediate release of their sons who have been detained since mid-January 2026.

Qamishlo

In Qamishlo, families of prisoners organized a demonstration that began at Afrin Square, joined by a number of residents, demanding the immediate release of their sons detained by the Syrian Interim Government since mid-January 2026.

The demonstration turned into a protest in front of the Martyr Delil Sarokhan Shrine, where the participants held up pictures of their sons and banners expressing their suffering, on which expressions such as "We demand the immediate release of the prisoners," "Behind every prisoner is a mother's broken heart," "Freedom for our prisoners," and "Don't delay freedom... time waits for no one" were written.

The protesters chanted slogans confirming the necessity of freeing the prisoners, affirming their commitment to continuing their movements until their sons are released. They called on the relevant authorities to take immediate action to determine their fate and put an end to the months-long suffering of their families.

Derik

In the city of Derik, hundreds of residents and relatives of prisoners held a large demonstration that began at the Freedom Square, where the participants carried pictures of their sons and banners that included, "Release the prisoners," "We await your return," and "Freedom for my friends."

The demonstration proceeded through the main streets to the central market, where it transformed into a vigil that began with holding a minute of silence in remembrance of the martyrs.

During the vigil, Lawin Hawas Jadie; the co-chair of the Derik City Council, delivered a speech in which he affirmed that the fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) defended humanity, emphasizing that the issue of prisoners is humanitarian, not political, and should not be used as a bargaining chip, calling for their immediate release.

The families of the prisoners and martyrs also demanded the release of all detainees and the return of the martyrs' bodies to their families, asserting that their protests would continue until these demands are met.

Girkê Legê

In the city of Girkê Legê, hundreds of residents and families of prisoners and missing persons demonstrated in a march that began at the Martyr Khabat Square and proceeded through the city's main streets.

The demonstrators held pictures of their sons and banners that included, "I want my son released," "I want my imprisoned father," and "Save the mothers' hearts and return their sons to them."

The demonstration in the central market turned into a protest, during which the participants affirmed their continued and escalating actions until their demands are met, emphasizing the urgent need to resolve the issue of the prisoners.

The protesters also appealed to the relevant authorities, including the Syrian Interim Government, the leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces, and the Internal Security Forces, to assume their responsibilities and work towards the release of the prisoners. They also appealed to international and human rights organizations to intervene immediately and exert pressure to end the ongoing suffering of their families.

ANHA