Protests renewed in Sweida against Transitional Govt.'s presence

On Tuesday, activists from Sweida, along with those forcibly displaced from their villages, protested in front of the governorate building in the city center, rejecting the continued presence of the Interim Government Forces in Sweida countryside.

During the protest, participants demanded their right to a safe return to their villages and rejected any presence of these forces within the administrative areas of Sweida.

The protesters raised banners expressing their demands, "We did not abandon our villages; our villages are ours, no matter how long it takes," "A safe return is a natural right for every Syrian citizen. Where are the countries sponsoring the ceasefire?" "Suwaida is the land of the Bashan and belongs to its people," "No to the presence of terrorists in the Bashan regions," and others.

Sweida has been witnessing periodic protests since last July, as part of an effort by the local community to mobilize the public opinion on the issue of the return of displaced persons, the release of those abducted by the Interim Government Forces, and to affirm the right of the people of Sweida to self-determination.

Since last July, the western villages of Sweida have remained under the control of the Interim Government Forces and their affiliated armed groups. These entities also impose a suffocating siege on the city of Sweida and its countryside.

Furthermore, they prevent the entry of basic necessities, food, medicine, and fuel, with the exception of supplies brought in by international organizations such as the World Food Programme and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

JJ

ANHA