Nonviolence in the peaceful protests in Syria
Nonviolence in the peaceful protests in Syria
Abu Elias – My Share
Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian leader known for his philosophy of nonviolence and policy of peaceful resistance, advocated for the rights of the marginalized in India and resisted British colonial rule through strict nonviolence. In his later years, he called for Hindus to respect the rights of Muslims, leading to his assassination by a zealous Hindu who accused him of betrayal.
Gandhi traveled to Britain in 1888 to study law and returned to India in 1891 after obtaining a law degree that allowed him to practice law. He then founded what became known in the political world as “nonviolent resistance” or “the philosophy of nonviolence.” Gandhi dedicated this principle to supporting revolutions against oppressors.
This philosophy is based on religious, political, and economic principles simultaneously. It aims to defeat the enemy through deep awareness of the impending danger and the formation of a force capable of confronting it. The nonviolent policy employs several methods to achieve its goals, such as fasting, boycotting, sit-ins, civil disobedience, and willingly accepting imprisonment. It requires that the opponent retains a conscience and freedom, ultimately enabling them to engage in a rational dialogue with the other party.
In contrast to the current Syrian reality, understanding is only achieved through the language of weapons and conflict, with violence being the first resort. This descent into criminality was not present at the beginning of the Syrian uprising, as its peaceful nature was one of its essential slogans in Syrian cities. Many prominent figures emphasized not succumbing to the regime’s attempts to turn the revolution towards violence.
On March 18, 2011, the first martyr for freedom fell peacefully, and incidents continued to unfold thereafter. One of the most significant events was the Martyrs’ Cemetery incident on July 5, 2014. During the funeral procession of a revolution martyr, the cemetery was surrounded by security forces, turning the procession into a demonstration. Many protesters were targeted with live ammunition, resulting in numerous casualties on the road to freedom. Despite the fallen, slogans and chants continued among all the sons of the Syrian revolution.
Despite the loss of many martyrs, peaceful protests persisted, calling for a unified Syria and a secular state embracing democracy while rejecting dictatorships.
