Hundreds of Syrian civilians demonstrated under the slogan “not hatred of our homeland but a desire to live,” on 2 February, near the Syrian-Turkish border, in response to calls by activists that spread last Thursday to condemn the regime’s Russian-supported bombing on Idlib province.

Syrian children participating in “From Idlib to Berlin” campaign – 2 February 2020 (Enab Baladi)

The protesters called for the opening of the Turkish border in hopes of crossing into Europe, raising the slogan “from Idlib to Berlin.” Besides, the protesters criticized the inability of international laws to protect civilians or to stop military operations targeting homes, hospitals and medical centers in Idlib, amid the absence of safe shelters and camps to house the enormous numbers of the newly arriving displaced persons.

Syrian protesters in “From Idlib to Berlin” campaign on the Syrian-Turkish border – 2 February 2020 (Enab Baladi)

The demonstration began with the gathering of families and civilians carrying their belongings at 2:00 pm in “Aisha Um al-Mouminin” camp, and later they headed to the separation wall constructed on the Syrian-Turkish border.

Enab Baladi’s correspondent in Idlib confirmed that the campaign is widespread and not affiliated with any party or faction and was the result of a previous meeting between citizens, media professionals, and civil activists.

Syrian protesters in “From Idlib to Berlin” campaign on the Syrian-Turkish border – 2 February 2020 (Enab Baladi)

The protesters raised slogans explaining that their campaign is peaceful and that “the Turks are not enemies of the Syrian people.” They also stressed the continuation of the demonstrations of “breaking the borders” until the Syrian people obtain their freedom and their most basic right to live.

Several demonstrations took place near the Syrian-Turkish borders in the past year, where the demonstrators urged Turkey to open its border to the Syrian displaced persons fleeing the war-torn Idlib.

Nevertheless, the demonstrators failed to reach “Bab al-Hawa” Crossing after it was halted by” Hay’ at Tahrir al-Sham.”

A wave of demonstration preceded this; several demonstrators stormed the border crossing into the Turkish side in August 2019.