Protest Against Sectarian Arrests in Damascus
Alawite protesters' slogans show their desire to separate sectarian identity from political positions, affirming their belonging to the Syrian national fabric beyond classifications
April 16, 2025, 6:41 pm

Protest Against Sectarian Arrests in Damascus

مظاهرة أمام محافظة دمشق

A group of Alawite residents from the Barzeh area held a protest gathering in front of the Damascus Governorate headquarters, demanding the release of their sons who were detained about three days ago. The arrests followed raid operations carried out by General Security forces, which led to the detention of more than 60 individuals from the same sect, while 17 of them were released and the rest were taken to one of the security branches.

This event reflects the growing discontent even in circles traditionally classified as loyal to the authorities in Damascus.

According to sources from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the demonstrators carried banners with phrases opposing arbitrary arrests and malicious reports, and others emphasizing Syrian solidarity, such as: "Not all Alawites are Bashar al-Assad" and "No to arrests on sectarian grounds." They emphasized that members of the Alawite sect represent an essential component of the Syrian fabric and should not be targeted collectively.

These slogans highlight protesters' attempts to disconnect sectarian identity from political positions attributed to the sect as a whole.

The protest was characterized by escalation and friction with some security personnel present around the building, which developed into verbal confrontation and the tearing of some banners by one of the personnel.

This response indicates the continued security approach in facing popular demands regardless of the identity of those making them.

In a video obtained by the Syrian Observatory, a verbal altercation erupted between a security officer and one of the women participating in the protest, in a scene expressing the state of sectarian tension and attempts to hold a religious group politically responsible for the defunct regime.

These tensions are increasing in the absence of mechanisms for community dialogue that would allow addressing grievances of various Syrian components.

This move comes after General Security groups raided residences in the Barzeh Al-Amalia neighborhood in Damascus on April 13, arbitrarily detaining more than 60 citizens from the Alawite sect and taking them to security centers, while 17 citizens were released.

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