Across Europe, Syrians celebrate being ‘free’ of Assad
Source: The Straits Times World News
Mr Ahmad al-Hallabi, a 27-year-old mechanic from Aleppo, arrived in Germany through Turkey and Greece in 2015 at the peak of the migrant influx into Europe.
“Ten years ago, I was in Syria and saw things no-one should have to see, things that are impossible to wipe from your memory,” he said.
“Assad is the worst terrorist imaginable… I hope there’ll be peace and everything Assad and his men destroyed will be rebuilt.”
‘Relief for millions’
Germany’s far right, which has gained popularity on the back of its opposition to the arrival of Syrians and other migrants, quickly raised its fears about more arrivals.
“The frontiers are closed, we will not accept any any more,” said Alternative for Germany co-leader Alice Weidel on the X social platform.
Many Syrians say they want to return to their war-battered nation.
“Like many Syrians, I would like to return to my country to help rebuild it,” said social worker Bassam Al-Hamada, who arrived in Germany in early 2016.
Ms Sabreen, 36, an architect, said she planned to help from Germany.
“They mainly need expertise and money. All of that, we can gather here for the moment,” added the woman.
Like many of the stunned exiles in Berlin, Ms Sabreen called for Mr Assad to answer for the killing and torture of his people in the past 13 years. “He must be tried in the international court in The Hague,” she said.
‘Allah, Syria, freedom!’
Hundreds of ecstatic Syrians celebrated the fall of Assad on London’s Trafalgar Square, hugging each other and chanting “Mabrouk! (Congratulations!)”.
Syrians greeted each other, many with the opposition flag, and singing: “Syria is ours, not the Assad family’s”.
The original article: belongs to The Straits Times World News .
