Protests in Jelbiyah, Kobani Countryside, Against Appointment of Mayor Amid Media Blackout

The town of Jelbiyah in the countryside of Kobani witnessed widespread popular rejection today following the appointment of a new mayor by the Syrian Interim Government. The move sparked significant opposition among local residents, who viewed the decision as contrary to existing understandings regarding the administration of the area.

The appointment conflicts with agreements between the Syrian Democratic Forces, the Autonomous Administration, and the Syrian Interim Government, which guarantee the local population the right to manage their affairs and to elect their representatives and officials in the region.

Residents gathered in front of the municipality building to express their opposition to the decision, before the Interim Government’s public security forces intervened to disperse the protest, firing live ammunition in the vicinity.

The security forces also prevented media outlets and journalists from covering the protests, with several reporters facing harassment while attempting to document the events.

Meanwhile, a number of Kobani residents went to Jelbiyah to support the protesters, calling for the municipality to continue functioning under local administration and rejecting any externally imposed decisions.

It is noteworthy that elements of the Interim Government prevented the protesters from issuing a statement regarding the events in the town following the mayoral appointment, a move that residents considered a blatant marginalization of their local autonomy.