Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition
Department of Media and Communications
March 12, 2021
The Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) salutes the Syrian people on the 17th anniversary of the March 12 uprising which was begun by Syrian Kurds in the town of Qamishli and spread to Amouda, Afrin, Aleppo, and Damascus.
The Assad regime responded by unleashing a brutal crackdown that claimed the lives of dozens, having always sought to undermine Syria’s social fabric and sow discord amongst the people of Syria. Hundreds were detained and subjected to brutal torture and intimidation for months and years.
The 2004 uprising was an indicator of the indomitable spirit of the Syrian people. It came as a result of the decades-long suffering and injustice the Syrian people have been enduring, and revealed their longing for freedom and emancipation from tyranny.
In addition to raining live bullets on unarmed protestors, the Assad Regime forces opened fire on funeral processions in order to terrorize the people.
We reiterate our commitment to the values of freedom and citizenship as we stress the importance of enhancing confidence among all the Syrian people while committing to the principles of the great Syrian revolution and the inclusive national project aimed at building a civil, democratic state that guarantees the rights of all its citizens and the unity of Syria and its people.
