ٍSyria’s Damascus Protesters Demand Trial of Former Regime Commander
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Dozens of residents from al-Tadamon neighborhood in Damascus staged a protest on Friday, calling for the trial of Fadi Saqr, a former commander of the pro-government National Defense Forces (NDF).
The protests erupted after reports surfaced that Saqr had returned to the area under government protection, sparking outrage among locals who accuse him of war crimes and abuses during the Syrian conflict.
Calls for Justice
According to activists, social media campaigns on Thursday encouraged residents to take to the streets after Friday prayers to oppose Saqr’s presence.
A North Press correspondent reported:
- Protesters demanded justice for victims, holding banners calling for accountability.
- Chants and slogans rejected Saqr’s return and called for his immediate arrest.
- The demonstration was met with heavy security deployment, but no arrests were reported.
Government Response
The Syrian security forces have not yet commented on the protests or the demands for Saqr’s prosecution. However, his return to al-Tadamon suggests a potential reconciliation deal or security arrangement.
This protest marks one of the first public demonstrations in Damascus since the fall of the Assad regime, highlighting growing public demands for justice and accountability in Syria’s new political landscape.
