In a dramatic turn of events, members of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) forcefully disbanded a protest tent in the heart of Idlib City, using batons and gunfire to suppress demonstrators. The clash occurred outside the Military Court, where protesters were demanding the resignation of HTS leader Abu Muhammad al-Julani. The security members, labeled as “shabiha,” damaged the tent and fired shots to disperse the crowd, leading to accusations of treason.
The incident involved the Public Security Department, part of the Salvation Government, established to restructure the former Public Security Agency. Despite the violence, the Ministry of Interior and HTS have remained silent on the matter.
Story of the Tent:
The protest tent, initially set up to demand the release of detainees, escalated tensions as HTS dispatched a delegation for dialogue. The refusal to negotiate until detainees were released led to the appointment of Ibrahim Shasho as the head of the Judicial Inspection Authority.
Continued Protests:
The ongoing protests against HTS policies, torture revelations, and demands for reform have sparked promises of amnesty and reforms. However, experts warn of the centralized power of Julani within the governance system, casting doubt on true reform measures.