Protesters in Suwayda call for independence, hold officials accountable

by Malin Muhammad

SUWAYDA, Syria (North Press) – Residents of a town in Suwayda, southern Syria, staged a protest on Wednesday in al-Karama Square in the city center, demanding the right to return to their homes and calling for accountability of government officials accused of involvement in recent events.

Local sources told North Press that residents from the town of al-Mazraa, joined by others from Suwayda city, gathered in the square to voice demands for “independence and return to their homes.”

Protesters denounced the presence of Suwayda Governor Mustafa al-Bakour and Internal Security chief,  Ahmad al-Dalati in al-Mazraa, holding them responsible for the killings that took place in the area. Demonstrators called for both officials to be prosecuted.

According to the same sources, participants also rejected the portrayal of Laith al-Balous as a representative of Suwayda, stressing that he “does not speak for them.” Protesters accused him of facilitating the entry of government forces into al-Mazraa in coordination with the Ministries of Interior and Defense.

Demonstrators carried placards affirming their commitment to “complete independence” and reiterated their lack of confidence in the newly formed Syrian government.

The Wednesday protest ended peacefully, with participants vowing to continue mobilizing until their demands are met, sources confirmed.