PROTESTS ERUPT IN SYRIA OVER CHRISTMAS TREE BURNING

Protests have broken out in Syria after a Christmas tree was burned down by masked gunmen in the Christian-majority town of Suqaylabiyah, near Hama. The incident, which was captured on video and shared on social media, has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation ¹.

Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets in Christian areas of Damascus, marching towards the headquarters of the Orthodox Patriarchate in the Bab Sharqi neighborhood. The protesters chanted slogans demanding the rights of Christians and condemning the burning of the Christmas tree ¹.

The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of minorities in Syria, particularly Christians, following the recent takeover by an Islamist coalition. The coalition, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has promised to protect minorities, but the burning of the Christmas tree has raised doubts about their commitment to this promise ¹.

A religious leader from HTS has condemned the burning of the Christmas tree, claiming that those responsible were "not Syrian" and promising that they would be punished. The leader also promised that the tree would be restored and lit up again ¹.

The protests in Syria have highlighted the tensions and uncertainties facing the country's minority communities. The burning of the Christmas tree has been seen as a provocative act, and the protesters are demanding greater protection and respect for their rights ¹.

The international community has been watching the situation in Syria closely, and the burning of the Christmas tree has sparked widespread condemnation. The incident has raised concerns about the potential for further violence and instability in the region ².

As the situation in Syria continues to unfold, the protests over the burning of the Christmas tree have highlighted the need for greater understanding, tolerance, and respect for minority communities. The international community will be watching closely to see how the situation develops and how the rights of minorities are protected ¹.

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