Sweida residents organize demonstrations, demand international protection

Crowds of Sweida residents demonstrated today in Karama Square, demanding international protection and rejecting what they described as the "illegitimate government." They affirmed their categorical rejection of any settlements or provisions that serve the interests of "Salafi" authorities seeking personal gain at the expense of citizens' rights.

Activist Lina Abu Hamdan, speaking from the square, noted that the protesters' demands are renewed daily, stressing the need to "expose the plots aimed at fragmenting the Syrian fabric, especially attempts to undermine and marginalize religious minorities."

The demonstrators demanded an end to the practices of what they called "crisis merchants," who exploit the political and economic situation to monopolize food supplies, exacerbating citizens' suffering and making their livelihoods more difficult.

The demonstrators also sent a clear message to the Damascus authorities that "the trick has become exposed," as they described it, referring to what they called the "role of the good cop and the bad cop," whereby some security personnel are accused of involvement in the chaos under various pretexts, then later appearing as representatives of the rule of law.

Asala Aslan, spokesperson for the Women's Affairs Office, said that the recent security escalation in Sweida Governorate and the direct targeting of Druze-majority areas is a "sectarian and terrorist plot that seeks to eliminate religious and cultural diversity in the country and transform Syria into a state with a strict Salafi character."

This movement comes amid escalating popular anger in Sweida, at a time when calls are increasing to put an end to violations and ensure genuine political representation that respects citizens' aspirations and safeguards the rights of all components of Syrian society.

T/S
ANHA