ROCHELLE JUNIOR

Sweida- The internet and cell services in Sweida and its villages have been cut off since cables were stolen. The people of Sweida protested the situation in front of the building of the Communications Directorate on Monday.

‘The theft was organized’

Nisreen Al-Mulhim, one of the protesters, accused the Syrian government of internationally cutting off the internet and cell services. “The theft was organized. Many people and equipment are needed to steal all the cables. Despite the price hike in internet cost, it has been cut off every day. The aim of cutting off the internet and cell services is to prevent people from participating in protests. I am one of the protesters gathering at Karama Square since August 17, 2023. We will keep taking to the streets until our demands are met.”

 ‘We have no services for 10 days’

Rehab Kamal El-Din was another woman protesting the cutting off of the internet and cell services in front of the Communications Directorate. “The internet and cell services have been intentionally cut off. A team came and stole the cables after the internet and cell services were cut off. Stealing cables is a method of the regime to intimidate us. We have no services for 10 days.”

 The people of Sweida have been suffering from power and water outages for a long time. “For three months, the internet and cell services have been cut off. We cannot communicate with the people in many villages. We buy internet packages at high prices, but we cannot use them. All we demand is a life with dignity. We demand the internet and cell services be restored and those who are responsible for it be arrested.”