The peaceful protest movement in As-Suwayda, southern Syria, entered its 12th month today, Friday, July 18, with residents rallying in a central demonstration in al-Karama Square, affirming their continuation of protests despite all attempts to suppress them, the latest being the assassination of the local Mountain Brigade leader, Merhej al-Germani.

As-Suwayda residents focused in their banners today on condemning the assassination of al-Garmani, confirming the continuation of the peaceful movement, in addition to chants calling for the overthrow of the regime.

According to the Suwayda 24 network on Facebook, al-Karama Square today was dressed in black for the central Friday rally, with crowds gathering to hold a mourning vigil for Merhej al-Germani, with a general sadness visible on the faces of the demonstrators.

The Mountain Brigade received condolences at the entrance of al-Karama Square, with condolences bearing testimonies of al-Garmani’s stances from delegations entering the square.

The banners published by Suwayda 24 included many phrases mourning al-Garmani, the most notable being: “Your assassinations will not kill our peaceful means,” “We continue, Merhej, rest in peace,” “You will not kill Merhej within us, for we have thousands,” “We are all Merhej,” “Merhej al-Garmani, your spirit will not leave our squares.”

Demonstrators also raised Syrian revolution flags and banners expressing their firm demand for freedom, the overthrow of the regime, and the implementation of UN resolution 2254.

Representatives from various sectors of the province’s residents participated in the demonstration, including the Health Sector Gathering, Professional Gathering in As-Suwayda, Gathering of As-Suwayda’s Teachers, and Gathering of As-Suwayda’s Engineers, according to photos published by Suwayda 24.

Unknown individuals assassinated Merhej al-Garmani on the dawn of Wednesday, July 17, with a single bullet fired from a silenced pistol, close to one of the windows of his house while he was asleep.

In a related context, the local network of al-Rased reported that an unidentified person on a motorcycle threw a sound grenade next to al-Karama Square after the central demonstration today, confirming that the grenade did not cause any injuries.

The city of As-Suwayda had previously witnessed several attempts to detonate bombs. On June 21 last, al-Karama Square saw scattered explosions hours before the central demonstration began.

Suwayda 24 reported that grenades were thrown sporadically towards the square from several directions, causing no injuries, indicating that these practices are clearly part of continuous intimidation attempts, the result of which is only an increased determination of people to demand their rights.

The demonstration organizing committee in al-Karama Square found two remotely detonated bombs on Friday, June 7 last, hours before the central demonstration began.

Suwayda 24 reported at the time that the bombs were openly placed on the platform where journalists and photographers stand, indicating that this appeared to be a message of intimidation to the demonstrators.

The province of As-Suwayda continues its peaceful protest movement demanding political change and the overthrow of the regime since August 17, 2023, amidst repeated attempts by the regime to abort this movement.