Alawites living in Syria staged peaceful demonstrations in the cities of Latakia, Tartus, Jableh and Homs, demanding ‘political federalism’ and ‘the right to self-determination’. Thousands of people took part in the protests, which were attacked by forces affiliated with the Syrian Transitional Government and their supporters.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the demonstrations, which began peacefully, were met with organised attacks by security forces and pro-government militias calling themselves ‘Civil Peace Committees’.
Pro-government groups attacked the crowd gathered at Amara Junction in the city of Jableh with swords, machetes and knives. Numerous protesters were seriously injured in the attack, and one of the injured was reported to have died.
On the other hand, security forces opened fire on thousands of people gathered at the al-Azhari and al-Zeraa roundabouts in Latakia. Reports say that vehicles were driven into the protesters in an attempt to run them over, and many people were battered. At least six people lost their lives and dozens were injured as a result of the shooting.
SOHR announced that journalists and media activists were prevented from filming and documenting the events and had their cameras confiscated in an attempt to prevent the incidents from reaching the international community.
During the demonstrations, slogans such as ‘Alewites, Sunnis, Christians, Druze, Kurds, we are all brothers,’ ‘Federalism is not division,’ ‘We want political decentralisation,’ and ‘No to civil war’ were chanted. The protests continued in many cities despite the attacks.
DAANES: A clear violation of Syrians’ legitimate and peaceful right to protest
The Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) condemned the use of force by armed groups affiliated with the Transitional Government against peaceful demonstrations. DAANES expressed concern about the events in coastal cities and some inland areas, emphasising that interventions resulting in the loss of civilian lives and injuries constitute a clear violation of Syrians’ legitimate and peaceful right to protest.
DAANES pointed out that Transitional Government officials were responsible for the actions that deepened the chaos and fuelled hatred and sectarianism, adding that this stance served forces targeting Syria’s security and stability.
The Autonomous Administration stressed that the attacks undermined national dialogue and reconciliation efforts, eliminating opportunities to build a democratic and decentralised Syria.
DAANES concluded by calling upon all Syrians and national forces to refrain from hatred and provocation and to work together towards a comprehensive political solution based on dialogue and mutual acceptance.