Numerous individuals have demonstrated in predominantly Christian neighborhoods of the Syrian capital, Damascus, following the release of a video depicting masked militants igniting a Christmas tree in another part of the nation.
“We demand the rights of Christians,” the protesters yelled as they paraded through the city on Christmas Eve.
The ousting of Bashar al Assad by insurgents associated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) – a faction previously connected to Al Qaeda – has raised alarm bells for religious minorities in Syria, although the leader of the group has asserted that all religions will be honored.
The demonstrations ignited following the circulation of a video on social media showcasing militants setting fire to a Christmas tree in the Christian-majority locale of Suqaylabiyah, situated near Hama.
Christians march through Damascus. Pic: AFP
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the individuals involved were foreign members of the Islamist faction Ansar al Tawhid.
A protester identifying himself as Georges stated that he was advocating against “injustice towards Christians”.
“If we are not permitted to practice our Christian beliefs in our homeland as we once did, then we no longer have a place here,” he declared.
People congregate near a Christmas tree in Damascus, Syria. Pic: Reuters
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A religious authority from HTS, the principal rebel group that assisted in the overthrow of Assad, asserted that those responsible for the tree’s incineration were “not Syrian” and vowed they would face repercussions.
“The tree will be restored and illuminated by morning,” he affirmed.
