Syrian Opposition Flag Raised at Athens Embassy Amidst Rebel Victory
On Sunday, the Syrian opposition flag was raised at the Syrian embassy in Athens, just hours after Islamist-led rebels declared the fall of Damascus and the end of President Bashar al-Assad’s rule.
Greek state news agency ANA reported that at least three individuals entered the embassy and hoisted the opposition flag, which was later seen hanging from the roof of the building. In response, police were dispatched to the scene and detained the three men. However, authorities declined to comment when contacted by AFP.
One individual was seen on an embassy balcony holding a portrait of Assad and shouting “dictator,” as Syrians gathered outside in celebration. Many of those present had fled Syria in the 1970s when the Assad regime took power.
“The dictator escaped. It is over… A new dawn rises for Syria,” said Maarouf Alobeid, a cardiologist who has lived in Greece for 40 years. “I came running from my home… The thirst of the Syrian people for freedom and democracy… cannot be described,” he added.
Nader Halbouni, a senior member of the Syrian community in Greece, expressed the collective emotion, saying, “Twenty-four million Syrians didn’t sleep all night.” A gathering of Syrians in Greece was scheduled for later that day.
Since the 2015 migration crisis, tens of thousands of Syrians have sought refuge in Greece, many hoping to continue on to Germany and other EU countries. Currently, over 15,000 Syrians in Greece hold residence permits, according to the migration ministry.
