11 years ago on this day 18/4/2011 the first sit-in protest was held at the new clock tower in Homs. This thread I'll explain how the peaceful sit-in turned out to a pool of blood of martyrs.
#WeWillNeverForget
#WeWillNeverForget
On 17/4/2011, a massacre by Assad regime in the city of Homs claimed the lives of dozens of people. This sparked outrage, and next day, after funeral prayers for those who died, it was decided to stage a sit-in protest at new clock tower which was later known as Freedom Square.
People began to flock to the clock tower square shortly before sunset, and the area was completely crowded by the time the sun set. The sit-in was scheduled to last until the next day. Approximately 40,000 people from all over Homs took part in the protest.
The protest was attended by young, old, merchants, tribesmen, students, and academics. The whole of Homs participated in it. Their voice echoed the place. "we want to throw the regime"
Later that night, one of the protest's organizers informed the protesters that he received a call from the regime demanding that the protest be broken up or else they would face the consequences. The organizers told the people to leave because they feared for the people's lives.
Most of protesters responded and returned to homes. Approximately 3000 people remined in the square.
Later, around 2 am, the regime's fourth division and airforce intelligence stormed the square and opened fire on the protesters. The shooting lasted about a half-hour.
Later, around 2 am, the regime's fourth division and airforce intelligence stormed the square and opened fire on the protesters. The shooting lasted about a half-hour.
Protestors started to run. Dozens of people died. The square was filled within dead and injured. After that, regime's bulldozers and fire engines arrived. Bulldozers lifted the bodies and loaded them onto the back of a truck.
The injured were taken to the military hospital in Homs. The fire department cleaned up the blood.
The number of casualties is still unknown to this day. The families of the victims were unaware that their sons had been imprisoned or killed.
The number of casualties is still unknown to this day. The families of the victims were unaware that their sons had been imprisoned or killed.
The regime wanted to put an end to the revolution and send a message to the people. However, the Assad regime was unable to achieve it. The revolution continued.
The crowd prayed maqrib and Isha at the freedom square. For many it would be their last prayer.
Another video from the protest calling for the overthrow of Assad.
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