Protests Erupt in Syria Over Burning of Christmas Tree.

Protests Erupt in Syria Over Arson of Christmas Tree

In the city of Suqailabiyah, located near Hama in central Syria, unknown individuals set fire to the main Christmas tree. This led to mass protests demanding protection for national minorities in the country. This is reported by BBC.

In a video published on social media, the main Christmas tree can be seen burning in the central square of Suqailabiyah, where most residents are Christians.

On December 24, many protesters took to the streets opposing the arson. Protests also took place in some areas of the capital, Damascus. Participants in the demonstrations carried a cross and Syrian flags, standing against foreign militants in the country, the source notes.

“If we cannot live in a Christian way in our country, as we are used to, then there is no place for us here,” said one protest participant.

The rebel group 'Hayat Tahrir al-Sham' (HTS), which overthrew the regime of President Bashar al-Assad and currently controls the country, reported that they detained foreign militants over this incident.

Representatives of the group also stated that they would defend the rights and freedoms of religious and ethnic minorities in Syria. They assured the crowd gathered in Suqailabiyah that the tree would be restored by morning.

It is worth recalling that the new leader of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has agreed with the rebels to disband and unite into a single structure under the control of the Ministry of Defense.

Additionally, Turkey will assist the new Syrian government in creating a regular army composed of 300,000 personnel. Turkish military advisors and specialists will participate in the formation of this army.