Dozens of Syrians gathered in Damascus to mourn the loss of prominent activist Mazen al-Hamada, whose body was discovered in a prison in the city following the advance of rebel forces. Al-Hamada had been a notable figure in the Syrian protests during the Arab Spring of 2011. After fleeing to the Netherlands, he provided testimony on the torture he endured under Assad's regime for his participation in the demonstrations.
Upon his return to Syria in February 2020, Al-Hamada was arrested at the Damascus airport and had been missing since then. The news of his tragic fate has sparked sorrow and outrage among those who knew him and supported his activism.
A video obtained by Reuters captured the emotional scenes as people chanted slogans such as “Syria is national unity” and “we are the Syrian revolutionaries.” These chants reflect the deep sense of solidarity and determination among Syrians who continue to strive for justice and freedom in their country.
