As-Suwayda, Syria squares closed in attempt to prevent demonstrations

AS-SUWAYDA, Syria (North Press) – Amid a security alert, Syrian security forces closed the main entrances to the Sayr and Mohafaza squares in the southern Syrian city of As-Suwayda on Sunday night and Monday after activists called for new demonstrations.

On Sunday, security forces brought in reinforcements consisting of Internal Security and law enforcement forces to the area surrounding the As-Suwayda governorate building after dozens of residents protested deteriorating living conditions, demanding Syrian President Assad leave power.

North Press footage showed that dozens of youths demonstrated while chanting slogans protesters had shouted in many places in Syria at the beginning of 2011, when demonstrators demanded Assad’s departure.

Local sources reported on Sunday that protesters demanded the departure of the Syrian government, holding it responsible for the economic crisis, as well as the departure of Russia and Iran from Syria, considering the Syrian as one people capable of managing a free homeland.

Local website As-Suwayda 24 said that the protests coincided with the arrival of Syrian officers and officials to the governorate building to hold a meeting on the recent developments.

On Facebook, activists from As-Suwayda called for a new demonstration on Monday at 11 a.m. in front of the governorate building, stressing a peaceful protest to express the demands.

Dozens of people gathered on May 31 in Sayr square in the city center, in conjunction with another gathering in front of the governorate building, protesting against the deteriorating living situation and the high cost of basic foodstuffs as a result of the collapse of the Syrian pound against foreign currencies, especially the US dollar, amid the absence of the Syrian government role in addressing their problems.