HTS arrests dozens following protests against group in Syria’s Idlib
IDLIB, Syria (North Press) – Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS, formerly al-Nusra Front) arrested on Saturday at night dozens of people in Idlib Governorate, northwestern Syria, for participating in protests against the group.
The HTS’s General Security Service (GSS) carried out the arrests in the Atmeh and Killi camps in the north of Idlib on charges of protesting against HTS’ leader, Abu Muhammad al-Julani.
An official in the Killi camp said the arrests started on Saturday at sunset and lasted until 10 pm. The GSS arrested more than 30 people who participated in protests that demanded the overthrow of al-Julani, end the strict security rule on the population, and the enforced disappearance of detainees.
Another official in the Atmeh camp said a simultaneous campaign of arrests occurred in the camp and ended with the detention of 22 individuals, including four women, on charges of creating chaos and slandering the group by protesting without authorization.
Protests have erupted in Idlib since late February sparked by the killing of a man under torture in HTS prisons according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The protests soon extended to other cities, villages, and towns in Idlib, demanding the release of hundreds of detainees and the removal of al-Julani.
The group controls half of Idlib Governorate and parts of Hama, Aleppo, and Latakia governorates in northwestern Syria. Additionally, it has established the Salvation Government which is considered the civil wing of the HTS.
Lately, the HTS has been experiencing internal divisions and defections among prominent leaders within its ranks. It began with figures like Abu Maria al-Qahtani, Abu Ahmad Zakour, and others. Furthermore, the HTS’ security branches arrest and pursue those who challenge its policies or attempt to expose its internal affairs, especially targeting its own militants.