A protest advocating for democracy and women’s rights erupted in central Damascus after the Sunni Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) defeated government forces led by President Bashar al-Assad, bringing an end to Syria’s 13-year-long civil war.
According to the AFP, hundreds of Syrian citizens gathered in downtown Damascus on Thursday to demand democratic reforms and equal rights for women.
Protesters marched through the streets, chanting slogans such as “We want a democratic state, not a religious state,” “Freedom for Syria,” and “The Syrian people are one.” Many held signs reading, “There is no free country without free women.” The diverse crowd included men and women from both Muslim and Christian communities. Reports confirmed that the demonstration concluded peacefully, with no violent response from the rebel authorities.
Such public protests were entirely prohibited under President al-Assad’s regime, underscoring a dramatic shift in Syrian society following the rebel victory.
In response to the demonstrations, the incoming Minister of Education pledged to ensure gender equality in educational institutions. During a media interview, Nazir Mohammad al-Qadri, the nominated Minister of Education, stated, “Education is a red line for the Syrian people, more important than food and water.” He further assured, “The right to education is not limited to one specific gender. … There may be more girls in our schools than boys.”
Meanwhile, Axios reported that Barbara Leaf, a senior official at the U.S. State Department, is expected to visit Syria in the coming days.
If the visit occurs, it will be the first time a U.S. official has traveled to Syria in years.
Analysts believe this visit could signal a shift in U.S. policy, potentially leading to the lifting of sanctions against HTS—previously designated as a terrorist organization—and laying the groundwork for formal diplomatic relations with HTS-controlled areas in Syria.
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