Imam arrested in Deir ez-Zor for criticizing Iranian presence
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – Security forces of the Syrian government arrested on Friday an imam of a mosque during Friday prayers in the city of Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria, accused of criticizing the Iranian presence in the city.
A local source from Jubelah neighborhood in Deir ez-Zor said a patrol of the Military Security Branch of the Syrian government arrested Muhammad al-Hiji, imam of the Rawdah Mosque in the neighborhood during Friday prayers.
The source added that the patrol brutally assaulted al-Hiji and took him to its headquarters in Deir ez-Zor.
The incident caused anger among worshippers who witnessed how the government forces raided the mosque.
Residents of Deir ez-Zor are upset with Iran’s practices, as it spreads a culture divergent from that of the region, promoting Shiite beliefs among the population.