2.2.6. Reaction of pro-government supporters to criticism of the government

The government’s security forces have not been able to consistently provide protection to protesters and demonstrators, particularly from supporters of the government, intervening in some cases only after attacks had already taken place.350 On several instances, protesters criticising the government have been attacked by mobilised pro-government supporters, resulting in injuries and, in at least one case, fatalities.351 Examples include the protests organised in Damascus in relation to violations committed in the coastal areas (March 2025)352 and Sweida (July 2025),353 the protests organised in the coastal areas after the bomb attack against an Alawite mosque in Homs (December 2025), 354 and the protests concerning the economic situation in Damascus (April 2026).355 According to Haid Haid, many government supporters perceive criticism of government policies or approaches as a direct threat to the authorities, regardless of the government’s own position. The source further noted a lack of progress in holding accountable those responsible for attacks on demonstrators, contributing to a perception among some pro-government supporters that they can act against critics with impunity.356