Under the motto "Berlin For Idlib - We Are The Love" Syrian opposition members, including refugees, are gathering in Berlin to protest against the continuing bombardment of the province of Idlib by the regime of Bashar al-Assad and his ally Russia.

On signs and in chants, participants demand the withdrawal of Russian and Iranian troops, as well as pro-Iranian militias such as Lebanese Hezbollah. They also advocate the overthrow of the regime and a free, democratic Syria.

At the end of the meeting, white balloons are released into the sky. This action takes place simultaneously in several cities.

The background to this is the ongoing fighting around the province of Idlib in Syria, in which up to three million civilians are trapped. The region is still partly held by insurgents. Many civilians were previously driven to Idlib by the Syrian army and its allies from other provinces and are now trapped there. Russia and the regime are accused of systematically conducting a campaign against civilians by bombing hospitals and other civilian facilities.

Several hundred people gathered in Berlin to commemorate Abdul Baset al-Sarout, who died two days earlier in battles against troops of the Syrian regime. Abdul Baset al-Sarout died as commander of the rebel group Dschaisch al-'Izza in a Turkish hospital after being seriously wounded at Kafr Nabudah.
Participants chanted for an end to the regime of dictator Bashar al-Assad and freedom for Syria.

Al-Sarout was an icon of the revolution in Syria. The former goalkeeper of Syria's U-20 national football team became known as a singer during the 2011 uprising against the regime of Dikator Bashar al-Assad.