Hundreds of Syrians gathered in the south of the country today, Friday, demanding President Bashar al-Assad's resignation almost two weeks after protests began over poor living conditions, which have once again turned into calls for political change. A large crowd in the city of Sweida chanted slogans saying, "Bashar out, free Syria!".
Syria is facing a severe economic crisis that has led to the currency's value plummeting to a record low of 15,500 pounds to the dollar last month, down sharply from 47 pounds to the dollar at the start of the conflict 12 years ago. Protests broke out in Sweida in August due to the withdrawal of fuel subsidies.
Sweida, home to most of the Druze community in Syria, has remained under government control throughout the war and has largely escaped the violence that has affected other areas. Public criticism of the government has been rare in its controlled regions, but as economic conditions have deteriorated, discontent has become public.
Participation in today's protests was significant despite the clear divisions within Druze leadership regarding them. Some Druze leaders criticized the demonstrators' calls for Assad to step down, stating that any improvement in social and economic conditions should occur through dialogue.
In neighboring Daraa province, where protests began in 2011, dozens also gathered today. Protesters carried the three-star flag symbolizing the Syrian uprising, as well as banners criticizing Iran's role, Assad's main ally.
Residents in other areas controlled by the Syrian government, who face stricter restrictions, have organized more clandestine protest movements to avoid discovery by government forces. Images shared by activists on their social media pages showed some residents in the coastal province of Tartus holding small signs that read, "Syria is ours and not for the Ba'ath Party," with a large poster of Assad in the background.
