Daramsuq Silent Protesters Attacked as Syrians Demand End to Bloodshed

DARAMSUQ — A peaceful protest held in front of the Syrian Parliament in central Daramsuq (Damascus) turned violent on Friday, as a group of demonstrators advocating for an end to bloodshed in Syria was attacked by assailants believed to be pro-government tribal supporters. 

The demonstration—part of a grassroots initiative titled “Today and Every Day: Syrian Blood Is Sacred”—began as a silent vigil on Thursday, July 17, calling for a national dialogue and an end to the escalating violence engulfing various parts of the country. Organized by independent activists and civil society members, the protest sought to draw attention to what they described as the country’s urgent need for “justice, peace, and political solutions.” 

Among the participants was Zeina Shahla, a well-known Syrian journalist, who recounted the assault on her public Facebook page shortly after the incident. “I’m okay, and I thank everyone who reached out,” she wrote. “Unfortunately, today some friends and I were verbally and physically assaulted in front of Parliament, during the peaceful stand we began yesterday.”

Shahla described how the vigil, which had passed without incident the day before, descended into chaos as a group of men armed with wooden sticks approached the protesters during their departure. “They followed us despite our attempts to walk away,” she said. “One of them cursed at me and struck my hand with a stick, then slapped me in the face.” The attackers reportedly shouted accusations of treason and collaboration, branding the demonstrators as “agents” and “traitors.” 

Eyewitnesses, and video footage video potage suggest the assailants may have been supporters of tribal factions loyal to the Syrian government, though no official statement has been issued regarding their identity or motives. 

Activists condemned the attack as part of a broader pattern of intimidation and shrinking civic space in Syria. “This kind of blatant violence in our streets is no solution,” Shahla wrote. “We need clear laws that prohibit hate speech and incitement. Above all, we need justice and sustainable peace for all Syrians.” 

The protestors’ message was simple yet profound: the cycle of killing must end. Their banners read: “Syrian blood is sacred. Violence is not the answer. Dialogue is.” 

Despite the assault, the campaign’s organizers vowed to continue their silent stand. In a brief statement, they announced that another vigil would be held later today, with the time and location to be announced to ensure participant safety. 

As Syria marks yet another year of complex conflict and societal fragmentation, the scene in front of Parliament this week serves as both a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by civil society and a testament to the resilience of Syrians calling for a future rooted in justice—not vengeance.