A historic turning point marked in Syria last week as rebel forces seized control of the nation, toppling the regime of Bashar al-Assad and ending his family’s 50-year stranglehold on power. However, jubilant Syrians are not celebrating for everyone.
The new coalition of rebel forces is led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a militant Islamist organization that originated as an offshoot of al-Qaeda. Its leader, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, has indicated that he is a reformed man, but questions remain about his intentions and whether the group will persecute religious and ethnic minorities.
Journalist Theo Padnos, who was captured by HTS in 2012 and held captive for nearly two years, shares his harrowing experience of relentless torture and psychological torment. He believes that his former captors are still taking prisoners and executing them, despite their rebranding as a more moderate organization.
Padnos’s account raises concerns about the future of Syria under the leadership of HTS. “You’ve actually seen on video people in Damascus who are now in control of Syria that held you and tortured you,” he said. When asked if he has seen any evidence of change, Padnos replied, “They’re taking prisoners now, as we can see across Twitter, on video… They take the enemies of God, and they put them in jail.”
The contrast between HTS’s public image and its past actions highlights the complexities of Syria’s transition. As the world watches the nation’s future unfold, it is essential to consider the implications of a group with ties to al-Qaeda taking control.
(Note: The article has been simplified to focus on the main points, while maintaining the essential information. The title has been revised to reflect the content more accurately.)
Source: https://www.thefp.com/p/jolani-rebels-tortured-journalist-now-rule-syria