'Great Friday' Protests in Syria Highlight Opposition to Presidential Dictatorship

COMMENTARY | Large protests are ongoing in Syria to call for the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. Thus far, over 220 people have been killed during the weeks of protests. The Syrian security forces are using gunfire against the protesters. Any regime that shoots protesters is evil and values power more than the people of the country.

President al-Assad gained control of Syria after a bogus election. He has been president of Syria for 11 years. His father was previously also president of the country. The people of Syria want this family to leave.

President al-Assad has long used emergency law to control Syria. He has now dropped the use of emergency law. However, protesters are still being killed. Thus, the dropping emergency law is just a façade, as abuse of the people continues.

Protests for Democracy

The protesters want "Abolition of the Baath Party monopoly on power and the establishment of a democratic political system," notes Reuters. The cry for democracy is raging in Syria and numerous other countries in the Middle East.

22 Killed in Great Friday Protests

Syria's security forces are using teargas and bullets to disperse protests. Thus far today, 22 protesters have been killed in the Great Friday protests, reports AlJazeera. War crimes are occurring every day in Syria. This week in Homs, at least 21 protesters were killed by security forces. Killing protesters because they speak out against the president is evil and will not quell the fight for democracy.

Much Change in the Middle East

Dictators are being forced out. It is amazing to see how quickly change can come to a country once protesters mobilize to take to the streets. Syria wants change now. President al-Assad does not have the respect of the people of Syria.

Religious Intolerance

As an example of the intolerance of al-Assad, he has forbidden Good Friday celebrations for the Christians in in the country. Thus, a protester told NPR " We call it the Great Friday (protest) in solidarity with the Syrian Christians." Religious intolerance is always a sign that a regime is not able to accept diversity and value the traditions of the people of a country.

Journalists Expelled from Syria

Syria is not allowing journalists to cover the protests. The country has expelled journalists and blocked access to areas where protests are occurring, reports NPR. When a country will not let journalists in to cover the unrest, it is clear that regime is trying to keep the truth of their war crimes from the world.

Follow Uprisings in Syria on Twitter

To follow updates about the protests in Syria via Twitter, use the hash tags #Syria, #AssadWarCrimes #Homs #Assad #Daraa and #Douma.

Sources:

NPR

Reuters

AlJazeera