NEWS CENTER – The diplomacy of the Star Congress expressed its strong rejection of the defamation and incitement campaign that targeted civil and feminist activist Sawsan Zazkaz, affirming that she is one of the most prominent women's voices defending women's and societal rights, and that targeting her reflects a dangerous approach toward public freedoms.

These positions came after Sawsan Zazkaz participated in a peaceful sit‑in organized yesterday, Saturday, June 6, in front of the People's Assembly building in Damascus under the slogan "Law and Dignity," where protesters demanded the establishment of the rule of law and the fight against corruption, with the participation of a number of intellectuals, activists, and citizens.

The Star Congress diplomacy explained in a statement issued today, Sunday, June 7, that the attacks targeting activists demanding their basic rights, in addition to the verbal and physical assaults witnessed during recent peaceful protests in Damascus, reveal the nature of the policies adopted by the Syrian interim government in dealing with freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate.

The statement indicated that "the government, despite raising slogans of respect for rights and freedoms, practices completely opposite measures, including campaigns of incitement and defamation, and encouraging groups to target protesters, in an attempt to silence voices demanding justice and dignity."

The statement also noted that targeting women activists and attempting to exclude them from the public sphere reflects the continuation of a mentality that rejects the free participation of women in political and civil life.

The Star Congress diplomacy renewed its condemnation of these practices, which it described as "systematic," affirming that demanding basic rights is not a crime, and that intimidation campaigns will not prevent women and democratic forces from continuing their struggle for a democratic society that guarantees dignity and rights for all.