As-Suwayda governorate continues its protests demanding political change and the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which have been ongoing for over seven months and met with the disregard of Syrian official media.

Today, Friday, March 29, the people of As-Suwayda took part in the weekly demonstration held in the al-Karama Square, in the center of the governorate, to reaffirm the demands of the revolution and renew their commitment to the street movement that expresses itself through near-daily protests, in addition to the weekly ones that witness a stronger attendance by the locals.

Delegates from villages, towns, and rural areas gathered for the demonstration in the city center without carrying any flags or banners. This time, the revolutionary flag and the five-colored flag were absent after continuous presence in previous demonstrations.

Local networks, including Suwayda 24, attributed this step to the residents’ determination to stop any attempts to divide their ranks, and as a victory for the protest arena.

As-Suwayda protests continue demanding freedom and the downfall of the Bashar al-Assad regime – March 29, 2024 (Enab Baladi)

At the same time, protesters raised pictures of Sultan Pasha al-Atrash and Jawad al-Barouki, who was killed by regime forces’ bullets during one of the protests on February 28. The locals refer to him as the “martyr of duty.”

During the demonstration, the protesters called for the downfall of the regime, demanding freedom, justice, and political change, while emphasizing the unity of the Syrian people. They also held banners with phrases such as, “The submissive living are dead, and the rebellious dead are alive,” “Our vision: the downfall of the tyranny,” “The revolution will not die,” and “There is no freedom for a slave no matter their status, freedom is a condition of dignity.”

The demonstration also witnessed the attendance and participation of various cultural, unionist, and professional activities in the governorate, as well as a consistent female presence.

Unaddressed grievances

As-Suwayda is not new to protests, having experienced several waves of them over the past decade. However, the current scene is distinguished by a social rallying, represented by broader support from the governorate’s citizens, including unionists, artists, craftsmen, and others for the street movement.

The religious reference also blesses the peaceful movement of the governorate’s citizens, giving the voice of the street a larger echo and greater boldness that prompted people from the villages and rural areas of the governorate to gather every Friday in al-Karama Square, reiterating their demands.

During a briefing to the Security Council on the situation in Syria, on March 21, the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, referred to the ongoing peaceful protests in Syria and the citizens taking to the streets in some areas to express grievances that have not been addressed, according to him.