(20 Dec 2024)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Damascus, Syria – 20 December 2024
1. Thousands of people gathering in Umayyad Square
2. Protesters, some holding and waving flags
3. Protesters by the Damascene Sword monument in Umayyad Square, with some people climbing the monument
4. Various of people gathering in the square
STORYLINE:
Thousands of Syrians gathered on Friday at Umayyad Square in Damascus following the fall of Bashar Assad’s government and the country’s sudden takeover by jihadi-led rebels earlier this month.
The rally comes a day after hundreds of protesters from secular parties and groups called for their broad participation in the incoming government to help build a modern Syria free from sectarian and religious divisions.
So far Syria’s transition has been surprisingly smooth, but less than two weeks have passed since Assad was ousted.
The country is home to diverse sects, and there is growing fear and uncertainty among minority groups, including Christians, regarding their rights and safety under the main rebel group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, once an affiliate of al-Qaida.
Last week, thousands of Syrians also gathered on Friday at Umayyad Square to celebrate after the first Muslim Friday prayers following the downfall of Assad.
AP video shot by Mohammad Shahein
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