The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

“If you want democracy, we want our Arabic Language”… protests in Ghwayran neighborhood accompanied by shooting amid increasing resentment

The SOHR learned that resentment and tensions continue to pile up in Ghwayran neighborhood, located in the southeastern part of Al-Hasakah city, following the protests that took place in the neighborhood less than 24 hours ago and in the past few days. Local sources confirmed to the SOHR that around 300 people, including children and women, went out in demonstrations against teaching the curricula imposed by the self-administration upon schools located in the areas under their control in Al-Hasakah Province. Protestors called for the exist of the Kurdish Forces and the Kurdish Internal Security Forces “Asayish” and the release of the captives. Protestors also raised banners that read “Get out, Get out, Arabic is the language of our Holy Quran” and “If you want Democracy, we want our Arabic Language”.

The SOHR learned from cross sources that a sound bomb blew up near the protest locations, causing the injury of 3 children. The Asyaish then opened fire on the area and arrested about 10 people of the neighborhood and took them to one of their locations in Al-Hasakah city. The Asayish had released two school managers and a teacher from Al-Ghwayran neighborhood. Meanwhile, tensions persist amid attempts by the elders to intervene to ease the tensions which also arose out of accusations by the people and the teachers in the neighborhood against those responsible for the educational institutions affiliated with the self-administration of hiring incompetent teachers and that such institutions shall appoint teachers only after undergoing certain training programs.