Turkish students protest against 'imperialist' Russia's Syria intervention

Dozens of students rallied against Russia's brutal bombing of Syria on Sunday, demanding an end to the siege on Aleppo.
2 min read
04 December, 2016
Dozens of students protested against Russia's role in the Syrian conflict [AFP]

Students in Turkey demonstrated outside the Russian consulate on Sunday, demanding an end to Moscow's military support for the Assad regime in Syria, which has seen tens of thousands killed.

Dozens of protesters chanted against Russia's bombing of Aleppo in the Turkish capital, and urged the Syrian regime to end its siege Aleppo, where thousands are struggling to survive under government bombardment.

It came as at least 47 people died in suspected Russian bombing in rebel-held Idlib province.

"Thousands of people are losing their lives," said Mehmet Akif Olgun, vice president of the National Turkish Students' Association which organised the protest.

Similar scenes were repeated earlier in the week when demonstrators called for "imperialist Russia to leave Syria" outside the Istanbul University on Friday.

The demonstrations came as more than 200 humanitarian and human rights groups called for the UN General Assembly to address Syria's deadly conflict, citing the Security Council's paralysis in dealing with the crisis.

In a declaration published in New York, the 223 signatories said the Security Council "has failed Syrians" and particularly pointed out its inability to stop the regime's offensive against opposition East Aleppo, which has killed hundreds of civilians.

Since the Syrian conflict began in March 2011, Russia has wielded its Security Council veto on Syria-related resolutions five times, and China has done so four times in support of Damascus military campaign and bombing.