-
Field Execution Videos Undermine Jolani's Promises to Protect Minorities
-
Various Sects' Testimonies Reflect Shared Concern About Future of Freedoms and Rights Under Hardline Background Group's Rule

Ahmed Al-Shara, known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, Islamist-oriented HTS leader, seized power in Syria following Bashar al-Assad's regime collapse, adopting moderate discourse toward country's ethnic and religious minorities despite Al-Qaeda past.
Videos circulating on social media recorded violations by some HTS fighters, sparking fears among minorities, especially Assad's Alawite community and other Syrian sects. One video documented execution of four people suspected of cooperating with previous regime.
Syrian armed opposition factions, led by Turkish-backed Syrian National Army, HTS ally, plus Kurdish-majority Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), extended control over vast Syrian territories.
Telegram video published December 10 showed four men's execution by HTS elements, with one fighter describing them as "shabiha," another as "Nusayris," derogatory term for Alawite sect.
France 24 editorial team collected testimonies from various sect Syrians revealing different fears. Ali (pseudonym) from Alawite sect said family fled to mountains despite HTS fighters' reassurances, while Munir (pseudonym) from Sunni sect expressed cautious optimism.
Sami (pseudonym), Homs Christian, indicated declining initial Christian community fears after HTS leaders-bishops meetings, but noted continuing concern about possible Islamic law imposition.
According to jihadist groups expert Broderick MacDonald, Jolani faces dual challenge maintaining hardline soldiers' support while presenting himself as legitimate leader capable of running country, warning no guarantees against returning to jihadist roots after consolidating power.
Levant-France 24
You May Also Like
Popular Posts
Caricature
BENEFIT Sponsors BuildHer...
- April 23, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”
opinion
Report
ads
Newsletter
Subscribe to our mailing list to get the new updates!