Protests Under the Slogan “We Want Federalism” Erupt in Tartous and Latakia

ARK News.. Dozens of protesters took part in peaceful demonstrations in predominantly Alawite areas, responding to a call by Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal, Head of the Supreme Alawite Islamic Council, amid heightened security measures aimed at preventing wider participation. Government forces reportedly set up checkpoints and carried out strict searches.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, dozens gathered at Al-Azhar Roundabout in the city of Latakia, chanting the slogan “We Want Federalism.” Demonstrators raised banners echoing the demands put forward by Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal a day earlier, stressing their right to dignity and to political and civil rights, while underscoring the peaceful nature of the movement and rejecting all forms of violence.

In Baniyas, residents reportedly faced heavy restrictions imposed by government forces, with a dense security presence around the Water Authority building and the entrances to the al-Qusour neighborhood, a move described as effectively paralyzing movement to prevent any protests from taking place.

Despite the intensified security deployment, participants in the demonstrations, protests, and sit-ins reaffirmed their determination to continue peaceful protest, emphasizing their right to free expression and rejecting pressure aimed at curbing the popular movement.

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