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Sectarian Discrimination in Homs.. Christian Priest Threatened for Defending an Alawite Citizen
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The practices of "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham" members at checkpoints reflect a systematic policy to incite sectarian tensions and threaten civil peace in areas under their control
A Christian clergyman was subjected to sectarian insults and threats from members of "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham" organization in Homs city, in an incident that reveals the organization's racist approach, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Father "Basel Sabbagh", a church pastor in Fairouzeh village, faced direct threats at a checkpoint belonging to the so-called "Military Operations Administration" of the organization, while trying to support an Alawite citizen who was prevented from passing merely due to his sectarian affiliation.
The priest faced serious accusations from organization members of being "an enemy of Sunnis" and "an enemy of the state," despite showing his ID card proving his religious status as a church pastor.
Sabbagh confirmed that the incident "is not isolated," warning that it reflects "repeated security violations threatening the social fabric and civil peace in the country."
The Christian clergyman held the leadership of "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham" and the "Military Operations Administration" fully responsible, calling for an immediate investigation into the sectarian violations practiced by the organization's members.
This incident coincided with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launching a security campaign in the areas of Qudsaya, Al-Hama, Jabal Al-Ward, and Al-Wurood neighborhood in Rural Damascus, imposing a curfew in the targeted areas, under the pretext of "combing the area of illegal weapons," while local sources confirm that the campaign aims to intimidate residents.
These sectarian practices reflect "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's" continued approach in targeting religious and sectarian minorities in areas under its control, despite its attempts to beautify its image through what it calls "enhancing security and stability."
These incidents raise serious concerns about escalating sectarian tensions in areas controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, especially with increasing complaints about discriminatory practices by its members at checkpoints.
Levant-Syrian Observatory
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