In several cities across Syria, thousands of people have protested after a video circulated showing an attack on an Alawite shrine in the north, according to a war monitor and witnesses.
The new rulers of Syria claimed the video was old and blamed unknown groups for the attack, accusing the republishing of the video of inciting strife. This came after hundreds protested in Damascus against the torching of a Christmas tree.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that major demonstrations took place in coastal cities like Tartous and Latakia, as well as in Homs and Qardaha.
Witnesses saw protests in Tartous, Latakia, and Jableh, with chants for peace among Alawites and Sunnis being heard in the streets.
Curfews were imposed in some areas, and protests erupted after a video showed an attack by fighters on an Alawite shrine in Aleppo. The video was said to be from earlier in the month when rebels took control of Aleppo.
‘Yes to a free Syria’
The Ministry of Interior stated that the video was from late November and the violence was carried out by unknown groups, accusing those circulating the video of trying to incite sectarian strife.
Protesters called for accountability for those who attacked the shrine and marched with independence-era rebel flags, denouncing discrimination and sectarianism.
Protests also took place in Latakia, with protesters decrying violations against the Alawite community and urging calm to prevent further escalation.
Al-Assad has long portrayed himself as a protector of minority groups, but Alawites fear backlash due to their association with his family.
The new leaders have promised to protect minority groups from conservative rule, as demonstrated by protests in Christian areas against the burning of a Christmas tree.
