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Alawites massacred in Syria, demonstrations, huge Iftar in Gaza.
By Staff
Worldwide Demonstrations and Police Brutality in Berlin
On 8 March, International Women’s Day or Day of Feminist Struggle, large demonstrations took place worldwide. Originally initiated by working-class women protesting against capitalist exploitation and gender inequality, actions on the date have since grown into a global movement.
In Berlin, thousands gathered at Oranienplatz in Kreuzberg to demonstrate in solidarity with Palestinian women and feminist struggles against imperialism and oppression for Feministischer Kampftag. Later in the evening, demonstrators were violently dispersed by police using pepper spray and excessive force. Several arrests were made, and videos showed officers brutally punching into the crowd.
Mass Killings of Syrian Alawites
Following clashes between the current interim government Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and pro-Assad groups in Syria, reports have emerged of mass killings of Alawite civilians. More than 1,000 people have been killed in just two days in the western regions of Jableh, Baniyas and surrounding areas. Interim president Al-Sharaa, also known as Jolani, claims his forces were fighting back against “Assad loyalists” attacking the interim government authorities. However, testimonies from people on the ground tell a different story. Many Alawites suffered largely under the rule of Al-Assad, who is Alawite himself, and did not support his regime. They are now caught in the crossfire and the violent clashes have forced thousands of Syrians to flee across the border to Lebanon. This is a breach of the interim government’s pledge to “protect minorities”. The violence against Alawite civilians began last Thursday and is ongoing.
On 11 March at 18:00 there will be a protest in solidarity with the Alawites in Syria taking place in Berlin at Brandenburger Tor.
First Abortion Centre Opens in Warsaw
In the Polish capital, Warsaw, an NGO has opened an independent abortion centre. Abortion remains largely inaccessible in Poland, and medical practitioners who assist those seeking help can face up to three years in prison. In 2023, mass protests against the country’s strict abortion laws helped bring in Prime Minister Donald Tusk to power, who vowed to liberalise abortion regulations. However, more than a year later, the government has stalled on fulfilling the demands of abortion campaigners. Frustrated by the inaction, they have taken matters into their own hands by opening the “Abortion Dream Team” centre this week. The centre will provide consultations on pregnancy termination options and guidance on accessing abortion pills if needed. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to this autonomous initiative.
Protests in Greece Ahead of No-Confidence Vote
On Friday, thousands of people protested against Greece’s conservative centre-right government, New Democracy (ND). The demonstration marked the anniversary of a 2023 railway disaster, in which 57 people, mostly students, died. Following large protests across the country, the main opposition party, PASOK, raised a vote of no-confidence against the government led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. They accused the government of failing to take sufficient responsibility for the crash, covering up evidence, and neglecting to address the critical infrastructure gaps that led to the crash. The opposition claims the government has lost its popular mandate.
On Friday afternoon, the parliament will proceed with a no-confidence vote, potentially triggering early elections in Greece. More protests are scheduled for later this week.
People Gather for Iftar in Gaza while Israel Cuts Humanitarian Aid
On Friday, the first day of Ramadan, images from Gaza spread across the globe. Amidst the ruins of a completely destroyed city, in the debris of former homes, and after nearly a year and a half since Israel’s devastating war began, the people of Gaza came together to celebrate Iftar, (the breaking of the fast during Ramadan). Videos showed a long table draped in a red tablecloth – images of true resilience in the face of injustice and violence.
On 1 March, the first phase of the 42-day ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas expired. The second phase would require Israel to withdraw its forces from the Philadelphi Corridor by 1 March, a condition it has refused to comply with. Instead of proceeding as planned, Israel now wants to extend the status quo of the first phase by another 50 days.
In early March, Prime Minister Netanyahu also imposed another aid blockade on the Gaza Strip, violating international humanitarian law. Ministers from the UK, France and Germany urged Netanyahu to abide by his obligation and allow humanitarian assistance into Gaza. Aid organisations on the ground in Gaza warn that their supplies of food and medical aid are running critically low. While Israel also cut off the electricity supply for the Gaza Strip on Sunday, negotiations about the second phase of the ceasefire deal are set to continue on Monday in Doha.
Smoke Grenades Set Off in the Serbian Parliament
In Serbia, after months of protests, tensions have escalated to the parliament. On 4 March, Serbian opposition lawmakers set off smoke grenades and used pepper spray during a parliamentary session intended to approve increased funding for universities – a key demand of the student protests. However, after the ruling coalition led by the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) put unrelated items on the agenda, opposition politicians left their seats and tossed smoke grenades. One lawmaker suffered a stroke amid the chaos.
Opposition members have stated that their actions were in support of the rallying students and held signs reading “justice for those killed” – referring to a deadly roof collapse in November. The session was adjourned and is scheduled to resume on Wednesday. The opposition party is calling for the establishment of a transitional government to ensure free and fair elections, but President Aleksandar Vučić has rejected the demand. Another major protest is planned on 15 March in Belgrade.
Sudan Sues the UAE
Sudan has filed a case against the United Arab Emirates at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of “complicity in genocide”. Figures in Khartoum allege that the UAE has provided arms and funding to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia. In 2023, the RSF committed atrocities against the Masalit ethnic group in West Darfur, killing and displacing thousands. Representatives of the UAE have dismissed the allegations. Meanwhile, the RSF and allies have formalised visions to establish a parallel government and are calling for the creation of an autonomous state in the country’s southern region.
The Kurdish PKK Announces Ceasefire
On 27 February, Abdullah Öcalan, jailed founder and leader of the Kurdish Workers’ Party (PKK), called for the group to disband. Following his appeal, the PKK announced a ceasefire with Turkey after more than 40 years of armed struggle for Kurdish autonomy and equal rights. Their efforts have been met with heavy warfare, continuous bombardment, and the imprisonment of political activists. Öcalan, who has been imprisoned by Turkey since 1999, described the ceasefire and PKK’s dissolution as the only path toward peace. His statement has sparked controversy but has also raised hopes for a shift in the ongoing conflict. Kurdistan Communities Union member, Mustafa Karasu, emphasised that this is not the end of the political fight for Kurdish autonomy in Turkey but a transformation of the movement. Despite the PKK’s announcement of a ceasefire, the Turkish forces have continued bombing Kurdish regions in the north of Iraq.
Far-Right Groups Hit the Streets in Romania
Over the weekend, protests erupted in Romania following the electoral bureau’s decision to ban pro-Russian presidential candidate Călin Georgescu. Georgescu won last year’s elections, but the Romanian Constitutional Court annulled the results in December, citing allegations of Russian interference in his favour. Georgescu is also under investigation for participation in a fascist organisation and corruption. His disqualification from the next elections, officially due to failure to adhere to ballot regulations, has sparked outrage among his supporters. On Sunday, far-right demonstrators took to the streets of Bucharest, overturning cars and setting fires.
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