22 Jun 2017 | 07:26 AM UTC
Syria: Rallies expected on Al-Quds Day June 23
Al-Quds Day to be celebrated on June 23; rallies likely
Event
International Al-Quds Day will be celebrated on Friday, June 23, in many Shi’a Muslim communities. Rallies are expected, as Shi’as typically gather on this day to hold anti-Israel protests, condemning Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. Rallies could turn violent and take the form of generalized protests against the West.
Shi’a Muslims in Syria, particularly in the capital Damascus, are expected to rally. Terrorist attacks targeting large crowds are possible.
Context
Al-Quds Day was initiated by Iran in 1979 in opposition to Israel’s Jerusalem Day. Iran sponsors Al-Quds Day rallies and protests in both Muslim-majority and non-Muslim-majority countries. It falls every year on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan.
Advice
Individuals in Syria are advised to avoid any form of protest or public gathering, to monitor the situation closely, and to expect traffic disruptions.
