IPOH: City folk gathered today for a walk to demonstrate solidarity with the people of Aleppo, Syria, in conjunction with Ipoh Car Free Day.
About 200 people took part in the solidarity walk organised by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) Perak Aman Palestin and Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma)’s Ipoh branch.
The crowd began its walk at about 8.30am and covered major roads in Ipoh. Along the way, members distributed red headbands printed with the words #SaveAleppo to passersby.
Siti Zarida Syed Nordin, 41, had come from Batu Gajah to join the solidarity walk.
"I came here with all seven of my children so that they know what is happening in Aleppo. What is happening there, with people subjected to the worst kind of repression and torture, is not supposed to happen in today's world.
"For me, this is a good effort, as some people may not be aware of what is happening in Syria now. Maybe when they see the words 'Save Aleppo' on the headband distributed by the organisers, they will go back and find out more about it," said the lecturer.
State Aman Palestin director Khairul Amin Ibrahim said the event aimed to create awareness among the Malaysian public, and to demonstrate support for the people of Syria, in addition to the Rohingya and Palestinians.
"We want to invite the public to show their humanity and support our (brothers and sisters) in Aleppo, Syria. This is not a religious issue, but a humanitarian issue, (because) cruelty is (occurring) right now," he said.
Khairul Amin added that the solidarity walk is a continuation of the protest held in front of the Russian embassy in Kuala Lumpur by his group on Friday, when they demanded that the Russian government cease attacks on civilians in Aleppo.
During the protest, organiser Aman Palestin submitted a memorandum to a representative of the Russian Embassy.