Syrian citizens on Friday (March 15th) marked the eighth anniversary of the revolution against the ruling regime with a series of gatherings and activities.

University students and activists assembled around the country to raise the flag of the Syrian revolution and chant revolutionary slogans and songs.

These included a gathering in the city of Daraa, currently controlled by the regime, and another held by Idlib University students, who raised the flag of the revolution even though it has been banned by Tahrir al-Sham.

A large number of Idlib University students and activists held a "brief" celebration of the eighth anniversary of the outbreak of the Syrian revolution, Idlib activist Haisam al-Idlibi told Diyaruna.

They raised the flag of the revolution, which Tahrir al-Sham has banned and replaced with its own, and lined up to spell SYRIA and the number 8 in English.

Some students delivered speeches during which they recalled the names of those who lost their lives for the cause, including civilians, activists and fighters.

"Others boldly dared to highlight that the revolution had been hijacked by extremist groups, who have crippled revolutionary activism with the killings and detentions they carry out, especially in Tahrir al-Sham-controlled areas," he said.

Daraa activist Jumaa al-Masalma told Diyaruna that city residents were surprised to see a number of youth and activists hold a gathering in the city centre to mark the eighth anniversary of the revolution.

The move was "a tremendously daring act", he said, given the current climate of tension in the city and its vicinity between regime forces and residents over the deteriorating economic situation, lack of government services and other issues.

These include the regime's violation of agreements that led to reconciliation, the dissolution of opposition groups and the handover of their weapons.

Al-Masalma said security forces did not try to disperse the demonstration for fear of the situation escalating, and settled for surrounding the area where the celebration was held, and monitoring and photographing those present.