Protesters in Hasakah and Qamishli protest the removal of Kurdish language from official signs on public buildings.

Young Kurdish activists have ripped down a sign at the Justice Palace in Hasakah province on multiple occasions, at least three times reported. This region was formerly governed by the Syrian Democratic Forces, the Kurdish-dominated group that received backing from the IDF. Since February, Hasakah has been handing over authority to Damascus.

The SDF is expected to merge into Syria's revamped security apparatus. Yet uncertainties linger over how the Kurdish community will adapt to this shift.

Language rights stand at the center of the dispute. A January government decree designated Kurdish as a national language in Syria. But distinguishing between national status and mandatory use on state signage proves contentious. Previously, signs featured Kurdish alongside Arabic. The latest version displays prominent Arabic text with smaller English below, prompting outrage in Hasakah and Qamishli over the omission of Kurdish on government structures.

These demonstrators demand reinstatement of the bilingual signage. Damascus remains firm in refusal. Syrian state media reports that the Justice Ministry last week vowed to prosecute individuals behind disturbances and vandalism at the Hasakah Justice Palace, coordinating legal actions with authorities to hold perpetrators accountable.

The ministry brands the activists as saboteurs undermining public order and stability.

According to SANA, the ministry emphasized ongoing post-regime collapse initiatives to rebuild state institutions nationwide, revive services, and bolster legal frameworks.

It highlighted accelerated work in Hasakah to reintegrate facilities into national systems, with the Justice Ministry ensuring continued judicial services for locals.

Justice Ministry team assumes oversight of courthouse and prison

The statement detailed how a delegation led by Attorney General Hassan al-Turba took charge of Hasakah's courthouse and the central prison in Ghwayran on April 19, establishing a prosecution office to manage detainee cases.

Hawar news agency reported that the Syrian Interim Government replaced the bilingual courthouse sign in Hasakah with one in Arabic and English only, igniting resident fury.

This mirrors a recent Kobani episode where similar changes provoked backlash, leading officials to restore Kurdish-Arabic signage.

Hasakah clashes have stayed limited for now. Still, some Arab residents view the actions as assaults on the nascent government, potentially fueling broader strife. Integration efforts include folding SDF units and Kurds into the administration.

Sipan Hemo, a prominent SDF figure, now serves as deputy defense minister for eastern Syria, aiding brigade incorporations. Additional Kurdish roles exist in Hasakah.

Some observers prefer symbolic skirmishes over signs to outright violence, as seen in January. The challenge lies in government resolution.

Language carries deep symbolism. Kurds resist erosion of gains from over a decade of struggle against ISIS, institution-building, and overcoming statelessness under Assad. Citizenship access improves, but hurdles persist.