Derik’s Jodi neighborhood in complete violation of lockdown, Asayish absent

Derik – North-Press Agency
Solnar Muhammad

On Wednesday, the Jodi (Xerkan) neighborhood in the town of Derik, northeastern Syria, witnessed a clear violation of the lockdown decision implemented by the Autonomous Administration, as a precautionary measure to prevent coronavirus, while the neighborhood witnessed a complete absence of the patrols of security forces (Asayish) that monitor the implementation of the lockdown.

Residents of the neighborhood lived their lives normally, exchanging visits. Children play games on the street.

Bushra Hasan, from the Jodi neighborhood, told North-Press that she could not afford to stay at home, despite her family's opposition. "I visit my two daughters who live in the neighborhood, I can’t!" She said.

However, she admits and recognizes the seriousness of the virus and the need to prevent it, especially among children.

Farid Othman, an IDP from Kobani who has been residing in Jodi neighborhood for five years, hoped the neighborhood's residents would keep their children at home to prevent coronavirus, which has become a global epidemic. “It must be taken seriously and not jokingly," he said.

However, he demanded that patrols roam the neighborhood, because the children go out and cannot be controlled; he stressed that the patrols did not come to the neighborhood of Jodi to enforce the implementation of the lockdown.

The Jodi neighborhood is considered one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in Derik. It is inhabited by about 300 families suffering from poor services.

There is no sewage network, and waste is spreading, in addition to the presence of more than 30 barns for livestock within the neighborhood.

The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria issued a decision to impose a lockdown to prevent coronavirus, which began two days ago, and it indicated that violators of the lockdown are held accountable legally.