On 17 April 2026, a peaceful sit-in was held in the Governorate Square in Damascus, Syria which was called for by a number of citizens, including a group of civil society activists, to express their political, economic and social demands, exercising their right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
The participants, including men and women, began gathering and preparing for the sit-in at approximately 1:30 PM. Fifteen minutes later, at 1:45 PM, the protesters were attacked by a group of pro-government individuals. The attackers tore down banners displaying the protesters’ demands and physically assaulted one of the demonstrators, causing head and facial injuries and significant bleeding. He received on-site medical attention.
Reliable sources confirmed to the Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) that security forces initially remained neutral during the attack but later intervened to protect the protesters and prevent further attacks. They surrounded the sit-in and provided security, allowing the protesters to continue their demonstration.
Observers noted the presence of armed individuals in civilian clothing within the vicinity of the sit-in, who were not members of the security forces. In contrast, the security forces protecting the protesters were not armed with firearms and used only batons and shields. Two ambulances were also stationed near the sit-in area as a precaution.
The sit-in continued until 4:00 PM, after which the protesters dispersed.
The participants in the sit-in raised several demands during their peaceful protest, most notably: respect for human rights and the preservation of the dignity of all citizens; holding a comprehensive national conference as a prelude to a political solution; establishing a democratic, civil state based on equal citizenship; lifting security restrictions imposed on rights and freedoms; and improving living conditions.
Observers’ notes on the sit-in
The protesters were attacked by civilians, a violation of their right to peaceful assembly. This occurred despite prior indications of the attack, including incitement on social media, that the relevant authorities failed to take the necessary measures to prevent. The attack on the protesters underscores the need to promote a culture of peaceful coexistence among different segments of society.
Furthermore, the presence of armed individuals in civilian clothing in the vicinity of the sit-in raises serious concerns about the safety of citizens exercising their right to peaceful protest, and also raises concerns about the proliferation of weapons outside the control of the state.
In general, the challenges facing the exercise of fundamental rights by citizens in Syria, particularly freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly, persist within a tense political and social environment. A clear gap exists between the authorities’ public commitments to protecting citizens’ rights and the numerous violations occurring daily.
The security forces’ initiative to protect the protesters, though somewhat delayed, can be considered a positive sign that should be adopted systematically.
Recommendations
We urge the Syrian government to respond immediately to the legitimate demands of citizens, launch an independent and comprehensive investigation into the attack on the protesters, and bring those responsible to justice. It must also consistently protect the public freedoms of its citizens.
We also call upon independent civil society organisations to actively develop awareness programmes to promote social understanding of the importance of peaceful coexistence among all segments of society and the necessity of respecting all peaceful opinions expressed in open debate.
We call upon the international community to exert pressure to ensure the implementation of all international resolutions concerning Syria, thereby guaranteeing a prosperous future in which everyone participates without discrimination or exclusion.
