Crowds of protesters took to the streets of the Syrian capital Damascus on Sunday to condemn efforts to limit the sale and consumption of alcohol.
The capital’s governor last week banned the sale of alcoholic beverages in restaurants and bars across the city. They have been given three months time to comply with the order.
Officials said the decision was made “at the request of the local community.”
He has given exemption to shops in three Christian-dominated areas, allowing them to sell liquor in sealed bottles.
However, shops are not allowed to serve liquor on site. They must stay at least 75 meters (246 feet) away from mosques and schools and 20 meters (65 feet) away from police stations and government offices.
‘It’s about personal freedom’
During Sunday’s protest, heavily armed security forces surrounded the protesters and kept them under surveillance. The meeting passed without incident.
“It’s not about whether we want to drink alcohol or not, it’s about personal freedom,” 45-year-old sculptor Isa Qaza told the AP news agency at the protest. “We’re here to defend an idea.”
Rami Koussa, a 37-year-old television writer, told AFP that “this type of decision will not be tolerated.”
The protests reflect growing fears that Islamist authorities could further curtail personal freedoms, as they have ordered the wearing of “modest” swimwear on public beaches across the country and banned makeup for female public sector workers in Latakia province.
Pressure from religious fundamentalists is increasing
President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former Islamist rebel who now leads the war-torn country’s interim government, has not commented publicly on the alcohol debate.
He has so far treaded lightly when it comes to imposing social restrictions.
But his administration faces increasing pressure from radicals to impose more conservative Islamic values.
Syria has also been rocked by several incidents of deadly sectarian violence, despite al-Sharaa’s pledges to unify the country, respect pluralism and protect minorities.
Amid sharp criticism, Damascus authorities issued a statement late Saturday apologizing to the city’s Christian population “for any misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the decision.”
He also clarified that hotels will be exempted from the liquor ban.
“This decision does not interfere with the personal freedom of citizens,” the statement said. “Regulation of alcohol sales exists in all countries, there are differences in the way it is implemented and enforced.”
Edited by: Sam Dusan Inayatullah