Syria: Language Sign Dispute Intensifies in Hasaka

For the fifth time, a sign at the entrance to the Justice Palace in Hasaka, northeastern Syria, has been torn down by protesters, according to images and videos circulating on social media. The sign, which reads "Syrian Arab Republic" in Arabic only, has become a flashpoint in the multi-ethnic city, where some local groups demand the inclusion of the Kurdish language.

The official platform of Hasaka Governorate, which has a Kurdish majority, reported that a Syrian presidential team visited the Justice Palace on Saturday. The delegation was accompanied by Siamand Khalil, deputy commander of the internal security forces in the province.

Presidential Visit and Judicial Preparations

The governorate stated that the visit was part of preparations to reopen the Justice Palace and activate the judicial system in the area. The move comes amid heightened tensions over the language of official signage.

Official Stance on Language

On Friday, the deputy governor of Hasaka, Ahmad al-Hilali, affirmed that Arabic is the sole official language in Syria under current laws. He stated that this cannot be bypassed under the constitutional declaration without legislative amendments.

In a statement, al-Hilali said, "The Hasaka Governorate takes pride in its cultural and linguistic diversity, where Arabic, Kurdish, and Syriac coexist alongside other languages." He described the variety of tongues as "a manifestation of richness and diversity."

His remarks followed several days of heightened security in Hasaka after members of the so-called "Revolutionary Youth" stormed the Justice Palace building and removed the official sign from its entrance.