-
Attacks on Public Freedoms: Armed Men Attack Musical Performance in Damascus
-
The assault on the musical band reflects the continuing approach of repression and suppression of freedoms practiced by current authorities against manifestations of civil life
A group of armed elements belonging to the so-called "General Security" stormed the "Join Us" café in Damascus, targeting a musical band that was performing an artistic show before a diverse audience of men and women.
Video footage showed seven masked individuals claiming to belong to the area entering the venue, demanding the band immediately stop playing, before the situation escalated to verbal abuse and armed threats.
The assault intensified to include severe beating of the band members and the café owner, accompanied by threats to permanently close the establishment, as documented by one of the attendees on their mobile phone.
Syrian Observatory sources claimed that local groups expressed their objection to the café's presence and its musical activities, warning against serving alcoholic beverages.
The video clip of the incident spread across social media platforms, accompanied by demands from those affected for justice and accountability for the attackers, while residents and café patrons expressed their strong condemnation of this repressive behavior.
This incident comes in the context of a series of attacks on public freedoms and cultural activities in Damascus, confirming the urgent need to implement a federal system that guarantees freedoms and protects diversity.
Levant-Agencies
