This report documents explicit threats made by Hussein Ali al-Hazouri—an operative affiliated with the Ministry of Interior of the “Provisional Authority,” known as “Abu al-Alamayn”—against peaceful protesters prior to their participation in the “Law and Dignity” demonstration that took place in Damascus on April 17, 2026. This serves as a dangerous indicator of the escalation in incitement and the rhetoric of violence against civil activism.
One day prior to the demonstration, Hussein Ali al-Hazouri, a native of Talkalakh, posted a video appearing with weapons and issuing direct threats against the protesters who intended to gather in Yousef Al-Azmeh Square. Al-Hazouri characterized the protesters as “outlaws against the ruler,” stating: “If I am to be executed and sent to the Hague Tribunal, and even if I have to kill a thousand of you, I swear I would not care.” This statement carries clear implications of incitement to violence and a disregard for accountability.
On April 17, 2026, Yousef Al-Azmeh Square in Damascus witnessed a peaceful demonstration under the slogan “Law and Dignity,” during which participants demanded living, economic, and political reforms. The protesters placed wreaths of flowers in front of the statue of Yousef Al-Azmeh, chanting slogans such as: “We want law, justice, and dignity for all Syrians,” “The Syrian people will not be humiliated,” and “God, Syria, Freedom, and nothing else.”
Some participants also raised banners calling for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2254, emphasizing the necessity of achieving a political transition and guaranteeing fundamental freedoms.
According to available information, the demonstration witnessed attacks against peaceful protesters. Video recordings showed an attack carried out by individuals aligned with the authorities, which involved assaulting participants and resulted in a state of chaos in the vicinity of the Governorate Square.
It was also documented that activist and journalist Mirella Abu Shanab was assaulted while conducting a live broadcast to cover the sit-in and document the violations. Furthermore, sources reported an attempt by a vehicle to run over a number of protesters in the vicinity of Yousef Al-Azmeh Square.
This demonstration came in response to a call issued by Syrian activists to organize a peaceful sit-in on Friday, April 17, 2026, under the slogan “Law and Dignity,” amid deteriorating economic conditions, rising costs of living, and escalating restrictions on rights and freedoms.
These incidents indicate a concerning pattern of preemptive threats and the use of violence against peaceful protesters, representing a clear violation of the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. This necessitates an independent investigation and the holding of those responsible for these violations accountable.
