Protests erupted near Syrian embassies and consulates around the world this weekend after an incident in the city of Homs in which state forces are said to have taken the lives of at least 200 people – in what appears to be the most brutal episode since the uprising began.
In London, around 150 protesters gathered outside the embassy in Belgrave Square on Saturday afternoon, hurling objects at the building following reports of the violence. Crowds with calls of “free Syria” attempted to close the embassy in response to the brutal repression of the country’s uprising, prompting police reinforcements at the site. Activists from Occupy London joined Syrian protesters outside the embassy in a show of support, while similar protests were underway in Berlin, Hamburg, Cairo, Athens, Istanbul, Washington, New York, Nicosia and Canberra.
The protests came ahead of a vote on a UN security council resolution calling for Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to step down, which was subsequently vetoed by Russia and China amid fears of a potential violation of Syria’s sovereignty, which, it is feared, could lead to military intervention or regime change. The veto prompted a furious response from other council members, with claims put forward that the draft resolution did not permit military action or impose sanctions.
Speaking after the vote, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the international community still had a duty to bring an end to the violence in Syria and promote a political transition towards the departure of Assad. UK foreign secretary echoed this sentiment, with claims that hope now rested on the Arab League to pressure the Syrian authorities towards political change.
According to the UN, more than 5,400 people have died in Syria since pro-democracy campaigners began protesting against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime on the streets last year amid the wider Arab Spring uprisings. Between 12,000 and 14,000 are also said to be detained in Syria, subject to torture and abuse. In response to the killings in Homs, Tunisia made moves to expel the Syrian ambassador, with claims that the country – where uprisings last year resulted in the ousting of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali – no longer recognised the Assad regime.
The weekend’s protests follow previous acts of solidarity and support between the Occupy movement and those facing oppression in Syria, including a memorable two-way livestream event connecting demonstrations at St Paul’s Cathedral with those in Syria in November. The event in London was attended by around 50 UK-based Syrians protesting in solidarity with actions in Damascus and Homs. An OccupyLSX livestream technician commented on the show of solidarity between the movements, stating: ‘…we feel all our movements are components of the same thing.’
By Mark Kauri
