Activists and observers have revealed that crowds chanted anti-government slogans in about ten towns and villages in Sweida province, southern Syria, today, Tuesday, amid the spread of protests against new economic measures taken by the authorities. The website (Sweida 24), which is a platform for activists aiming to provide media coverage for the province, reported that calls for the overthrow of the regime echoed in a large demonstration in the city of Sweida, the provincial center. A boy in another town held a sign questioning why the price of potato chips was raised, referring to the rising food prices.
Syria is experiencing a severe economic crisis, causing its currency to drop to a record low of 15,500 Syrian pounds to the dollar last week in a rapid collapse. The currency was traded at a rate of 47 pounds to the dollar at the beginning of the conflict 12 years ago.
Sweida, mostly populated by Druze, has remained under government control since the beginning of the conflict and has largely avoided the unrest seen in other areas. Open opposition to the government remains rare in government-controlled regions.
Anti-government marches broke out in the province last week due to soaring gasoline prices, which have increased the pressure on families that are already struggling to secure food. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors developments in the Syrian war, reported that protests have continued over the past week, encompassing 11 cities, towns, and villages in the province.
The Observatory added that all government departments and shops are completely closed in several areas. The Syrian authorities have not publicly commented on the protests. The pro-government newspaper Al-Watan reported today, Tuesday, that demonstrators disrupted the operations of banks, government institutions, and bakeries.
