Opposition group condemns attacks on protesters in Damascus
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The National Coordination Body for Democratic Change in Syria condemned on Saturday what it described as an “attack” on protesters during a sit-in held in central Damascus to mark Syria’s Independence Day on April 17.
In a statement, the group said participants in the demonstration at Yusuf al-Azma Square were subjected to verbal and physical assaults, including chants accusing them of being “remnants” and “supporters of the former regime.” It also reported that media outlets covering the event were pursued.
On Friday, dozens of people gathered in the square to demand improvements in living conditions, public services, and political freedoms. Minutes after the protest began, hundreds of counter-demonstrators reportedly assembled and attempted to disperse the sit-in.
The National Coordination Body said that protesters were exposed to physical violence, noting that a member of its executive office was insulted despite his history of opposition to the former Syrian government and years of detention.
According to the statement, Syrian security forces intervened in an attempt to prevent further escalation in the square. The group added that the protest was “purely driven by national motives” aimed at drawing attention to policies it said do not serve the interests of citizens and to call for a correction of the course taken during the transitional phase over the past year and a half.
The statement also highlighted what it described as ongoing sectarian and regional tensions, reiterating the need for a comprehensive national conference with broad participation to establish a new social contract based on freedoms, justice, and the rule of law.