Statement on supporting the Damascus movement and combating hate speech

Statement on supporting the Damascus movement and combating hate speech
number: (2026/04/16-D)
the date: 16 April 2026
We, at the National Council for Human Rights, declare our full and absolute support for the legitimate peaceful movement called for by civil society activists in the city of Damascus tomorrow, Friday. 17 April, coinciding with the Evacuation Day.
Firstly: The legitimacy of claims and the duty to protect
We affirm that the demands of the protesters in Youssef Al-Azmeh Square and all neighborhoods of Damascus are rightful national demands, represented in stopping the plundering of the capabilities of the Syrian people and rejecting policies “Forced privatization” Looting endowment properties. We place the international community before its responsibilities to ensure that demonstrators are not subjected to any harassment or violence, stressing that the right to peaceful assembly is an inviolable foundation, in accordance with the International Bill of Human Rights and international laws.. Freedom of expression, demonstration, and sit-in are basic rights guaranteed by the articles 19 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the binding articles of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights:
• Article 19: Which guarantees the right to hold opinions without harassment and freedom of expression.
• Article 21: Which recognizes the inherent right to peaceful assembly.
These freedoms include the right of individuals to express their opinions and protest peacefully without harassment or arbitrary restrictions, as they are a fundamental pillar of a democratic and accountable society..
secondly: Condemn hate speech and incitement
The Council condemns in the strongest terms the statements “Fascism” Issued by opposition figures affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, which we consider “A military statement in a civilian language”And the crime of public incitement to murder by threatening the symbolism of military prisons (K “Saydnaya”). The attempt to betray the people of Damascus and describe them as... “Minorities” or “Settlers” These are despicable attempts to isolate the capital from its national depth, and we affirm that authentic Damascus is the beating heart of Syria and will not be broken by threatening language..
Conclusion:
While the Council salutes the steadfastness of our people in Damascus, it affirms that the will for evacuation and human dignity is stronger than corruption and totalitarian extremist tyranny.. We document all inflammatory statements against defenseless civilians as documents of international condemnation to ensure that everyone who incites the shedding of Syrian blood is held accountable..
Long live free and proud Syria.. Evacuation of tyranny in all its forms.
Mr. Qutaiba Qasim Al-Arab
President of the National Council for Human Rights
Statement on Support for the Damascus Movement and Opposing Hate Speech
Statement No.: (2026/04/16-D)
Date: April 16, 2026
The National Council for Human Rights declares its full and absolute support for the legitimate peaceful movement called for by civil society activists in the city of Damascus tomorrow, Friday, April 17, coinciding with Independence Day (Evacuation Day).
First: Legitimacy of Demands and Duty of Protection
We affirm that the demands of the protesters in Youssef Al-Azmeh Square and across Damascus are legitimate national grievances, seeking an end to the looting of Syrian resources and rejecting “forced privatization” and the seizure of endowment (Waqf) properties. We place the international community before its responsibilities to ensure that protesters are not subjected to any harassment or violence, emphasizing that the right to peaceful assembly is an inviolable pillar under the International Bill of Human Rights and international laws. Freedom of expression, demonstration, and assembly are fundamental rights guaranteed by Articles 19 and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the binding provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR):
• Article 19: Which guarantees the right to hold opinions without interference and the freedom of expression.
• Article 21: Which recognizes the inherent right to peaceful assembly.
These freedoms include the right of individuals to express their views and protest peacefully without harassment or arbitrary restrictions, as they constitute a cornerstone of a democratic society and accountability.
Second: Condemnation of Hate Speech and Incitement
The Council condemns in the strongest possible terms the “fascist” statements issued by opposition figures associated with the Muslim Brotherhood movement. We consider these statements a “military proclamation in civilian guise” and a crime of public incitement to murder through the symbolic threat of military prisons (such as “Sednaya”). The attempts to brand the people of Damascus as “traitors,” “minorities,” or “settlers” are despicable efforts to isolate the capital from its national depth. We affirm that the authentic Damascus is the beating heart of Syria and will not be broken by the language of threats.
Conclusion:
While saluting the steadfastness of our people in Damascus, the Council affirms that the will for independence and human dignity is stronger than corruption and extremist totalitarian tyranny. We are documenting all inflammatory statements against unarmed civilians as international evidence to ensure accountability for everyone inciting the shedding of Syrian blood.

Long live a free and proud Syria… Independence from all forms of tyranny.

Professor Qutaiba Qasim Al-Arab

President of the National Council for Human Rights

Human rights, Damascus, peaceful sit-in, property rights, hate speech, National Council, human dignity, evacuation, international law, civil protection.

Human Rights, Damascus, Peaceful Protest, Property Rights, Hate Speech, National Council, Human Dignity, Independence Day, International Law, Civilian Protection.