Syrian Schoolteacher Stages One-Woman Protest outside Al-Qaeda Headquarters

Following are excerpts from a report about Syrian schoolteacher Suad Nawfal, which aired on Alaan TV on September 28, 2013:

News anchor: For the past two months, Suad Nawfal, a schoolteacher from Al-Raqqah, has been demonstrating in front of ISIS [Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant] headquarters, to protest the activities carried out by the organization's brigades.

She persists in her revolutionary ways to protests injustice in her city, challenging the dangers that face her. She serves as a role model for those who want to complete the path on which the Syrian people embarked two and a half years ago.

Reporter: She has taken part in the revolution from the very beginning. She has stood up to the injustice of the regime, has participated in demonstrations and protests, and has provided aid. After the liberation of her city, she continued to fight all forms of injustice. For around two months, she has been demonstrating by herself, in front of the headquarters of [Al-Qaeda's] Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

Suad Nawfal: Two and a half years ago, we revolted against the injustice perpetrated by Bashar and his father for over 45 years. But today, there is still injustice in the Al-Raqqah Governorate, so we continue to demonstrate and carry out a revolution against the injustice embodied in other people and groups, including the ISIS, which detains and kidnaps people, denying them their freedom and rights.

That's why I decided to continue the revolution in the governorate, and anywhere else where there is injustice. Even if there is injustice within my own family, I will speak out against it.

Reporter: Before she goes out to demonstrate she prepares a sign with her message, hoping that today she will find an ear sympathetic to the demands of her people.

Suad Nawfal: It is important for me to get this message across. I've written it on this cardboard plaque, which has become my friend. The revolution continues, despite all the mistakes that were made, because it unites many people. It is gradually cleansing and purifying itself. Our revolution will be pure and clean once again, and it will liberate Syria, through the efforts of decent people, Allah willing.

Reporter: Her revolutionary actions are connected to her message, as an educator of the generations to come. As a teacher, she tries to convey to the future generations the message that we need to pave the path to freedom by ourselves.

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Suad Nawfal: I am an educator of children, and the most important things that I teach my children is that one must rectify a wrong, and not remain silent about it. This must be done in the most moral way. We must raise a generation that knows its rights and duties. That is the message that everybody must get – a free generation.

Reporter: Despite heavy security measures at the ISIS headquarters, which prevented us from filming, Suad stands there, breaking the barrier of silence, by means of her daily demonstration, without concern for any of the lurking dangers. She is intent upon achieving the goals for which the Syrian people took to the streets two and a half years ago.

This is Rimal Nawfal, reporting for Alaan TV news from Al-Raqqah.

Suad Nawfal: The revolution will continue until the regime and its supporters will be toppled throughout Syria.

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Internet images of Suad Nawfal demonstrating opposite the ISIS headquarters