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العربية
The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria issued a circular banning public gatherings and social events on the 7th and 8th of the current month, justifying the decision with security considerations related to potential threats. The circular prohibits any mass activity in squares, streets, or inside civilian centers during the two specified days.
Activists said that references to “terrorist cells” are being used selectively, arguing that the ban on events becomes more prominent near occasions that do not align with the orientation of the Syrian Democratic Forces, such as events commemorating the “liberation of Syria from the Assad regime.” In contrast, they note that the Administration allows other events linked to its political narrative, including Newroz celebrations or activities in support of Abdullah Öcalan.
Opposition figures assert that the bans reflect restrictions on freedom of expression in areas controlled by the Autonomous Administration, pointing out that permissions for events are granted or denied on political grounds rather than clear security criteria. They believe this limits residents’ ability to express their positions and raises questions about the Administration’s commitment to the democratic principles it claims to uphold.
