Women of the Ashrafieh-Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods: We have the right to move freely

Ignoring the current security tensions in Aleppo's Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods, women in the two areas demonstrated against their disapproval of steps taken by the transitional government forces as soon as they increased checkpoints in addition to the already established joint checkpoints, further intensifying locals' hardship as well as constricting their daily mobility.

The women urged the government to adhere to the ceasefire arrangements and lift the imposed siege, emphasizing that it is a natural right of all Syrian citizens to live in peace and dignity. Avin Muhammad demanded, "The opening of all crossings around Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods without exception, and allowing pedestrian and vehicle passage without harassment."

She emphasized, "We have the right to walk in the Aleppo and Syrian neighborhoods. We are the owners of this country and not strangers."

Recalling the years that the former Ba'ath regime besieged the two neighborhoods, Avin went on, "Our resolve was as unshakeable as metal. Today, despite the signed contract to modify the Syrian scenario and announce a ceasefire, the transitional government still violates its commitments."

She observed that the behavior of the transitional government is the same as the previous regime, arguing, "It sets up new checkpoints, confiscates pedestrians' phones and kidnaps young men on the grounds of possessing Kurdish symbols or images, without the slightest judicial pretext."

Avin concluded her statements by referring to the dreams of the residents to peacefully coexist in harmony, free from any obstacles and hindrances, saying, "We want a normal life where we can easily meet our needs, just as every citizen has the right to live freely on their land."

For her part, Amina Qanbar reported that the transitional government is not honoring the agreements or the commitments it makes, and she added, "It has opened new checkpoints in addition to the joint checkpoints, and has opened only three roads, although the two neighborhoods had been agreed to be opened through all their entrances and to be returned to normal life."

She emphasized that the people belong to their planet and said, "We yearn for peace, not blood and war."

Amnia Mohammed expressed her full rejection of the blockade of their area and said, "We have survived for decades with the oppressive Baath regime, and the transitional government has no business repeating those mistakes."

She re-emphasized, "We don't need further military escalation. We want the sound of gunfire to die down and allow the voice of peace to be heard."

ANHA