Homs, April 19 (SANA) Residents of Homs on Saturday marked the 15th anniversary of the 2011 sit-in at New Clock Square, a key early event in the Syrian revolution.
The event featured speeches by several figures, including Brig. Gen. Riyad al-Asaad, founder of the Free Syrian Army. Security personnel distributed flowers to attendees, and a reenactment of the events was staged.
During the ceremony, Homs Governorate announced the renaming of Abdul Moneim Riad Street to April 18 Street, in reference to the date associated with the sit-in.
Speaking to SANA, Homs Mufti Sahl Jneid said the anniversary remains an important moment in the city’s collective memory, emphasizing the need for unity and social cohesion.
Ghazwan al-Nakdali, from the Directorate of Political Affairs in Homs, said the event commemorates a key moment in the city’s history. He added that the 2011 sit-in followed weeks of public protests and was met with gunfire by deposed regime forces, resulting in casualties and arrests.
He said the situation has since changed, with security authorities now working to protect civilians and facilitate public events.
Hamza al-Jouja, a resident who attended the sit-in in 2011, said he was 17 at the time and remained in the square until gunfire began, adding that the experience had a lasting impact on his life.
The event was attended by Culture Minister Mohammad Yassin al-Saleh, Homs Governor Abdul Rahman al-Ama, and other official, religious, and military figures, along with a large number of residents.
The New Clock Square sit-in drew thousands of demonstrators in April 2011 calling for reforms, dignity, and freedom. It was later dispersed by force by deposed regime forces, resulting in casualties and arrests, and has since remained a symbolic site in the city.
N.J/ABD
