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Field Execution Videos Undermine Jolani's Promises to Protect Minorities
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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
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