Sweida, June 4 (SANA) Sweida Governor Mustafa al-Bakkour criticized the blocking of roads and the prevention of students from reaching their examination centers, saying such actions violate the law and the long-standing traditions of Jabal al-Arab.
Earlier on Thursday, local authorities said that armed groups affiliated with Hikmat al-Hijri prevented students from Sweida province from reaching examination centers for this year’s public certificate examinations, despite government measures to facilitate their transportation and ensure their safe arrival.
In a statement, al-Bakkour said roadblocks in the city of Shahba had prevented students from traveling to sit for their examinations and disrupted the movement of residents heading to Damascus for work and other commitments.
He said the restrictions, accompanied by intimidation and disruptions to daily life, were inconsistent with local customs and values.
“Preventing students from reaching their examinations and obstructing citizens from carrying out their daily responsibilities is contrary to the law and to the traditions on which we were raised,” al-Bakkour said.
The governor said such actions do not reflect the values of the people of Shahba or Sweida, who have long been known for wisdom and restraint.
He added that no group should be allowed to control people’s livelihoods or influence the educational future of students, describing the situation as unacceptable.
Al-Bakkour called on community leaders, elders and influential local figures to intervene and assume responsibility for addressing the situation.
He urged them to take immediate action to end practices that harm residents, undermine stability and damage the reputation of the area.
The governor stressed that protecting citizens, preserving their dignity and ensuring freedom of movement remain fundamental responsibilities that cannot be postponed.
The remarks came as more than 464,000 students across Syria began sitting for Basic Education examinations on Thursday at more than 2,000 examination centers nationwide. Official figures show that 450,884 students are taking the Basic Education Certificate examinations, commonly known as the ninth-grade exams, while 13,141 students are sitting for the Sharia Preparatory Certificate examinations.
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