Syrian Christians hold demonstration in Damascus following the reported burning of a Christmas tree by HTS terrorists
On December 24, hundreds of Syrian Christians gathered in Damascus to protest against the burning of a Christmas tree in Hama. The act was reportedly carried out by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an extremist group that assumed control after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Protesters, bearing wooden crosses and the Syrian national flag, took to the streets of the capital, marching towards the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Bab al-Sharqi. Demonstrators vocalized calls for the recognition and protection of Christian rights.
Demonstrations have broken out in Sahnaya, Jaramana, Hama, and several other regions, amid reports of some Christian residents taking up arms in response to threats posed by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militants.
On December 23, video footage captured a large Christmas tree engulfed in flames in Suqaylabiyah, a predominantly Christian neighborhood in Hama. The incident, allegedly orchestrated by foreign militants affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has provoked widespread outrage. Reports suggest the perpetrators involved fighters from Chechnya and Uzbekistan.
A military representative from HTS was dispatched to the site, where they denounced the incident and vowed stringent repercussions for those responsible. “This offense was executed by individuals not of Syrian descent, and they will face penalties far exceeding expectations. The Christmas tree is slated for full restoration by tonight,” the official stated.
Despite repeated apologies and assurances from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) regarding the protection of minority rights, similar occurrences persist. Just last week, militants reportedly targeted the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in Hama, causing damage to statues and desecrating graves. There have also been reports of executions involving Alawites and former Syrian soldiers.
Ahmad al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani and leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has been actively engaging in dialogues with Western and Arab officials concerning the political transition in Syria, pledging a commitment to inclusivity. Despite these assurances, HTS, previously known as the Nusra Front, has a history marked by serious human rights violations, including the execution of Alawites and the abduction of nuns.
Sharaa, previously affiliated with the Islamic State, played a pivotal role in the group’s evolution from the Nusra Front to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) by 2017.
