PROGRESSIVE

Syrian opposition bans forced wearing of hijab

Syria's armed opposition leadership has issued a decree prohibiting the forced wearing of hijabs / bne IntelliNews

By bnm Gulf bureau December 9, 2024

Syria's armed opposition leadership has issued a decree prohibiting the forced wearing of hijabs, state-owned Al Watan reported on December 9.

Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is a Sunni Islamist militant group primarily active in Syria, particularly in the rebel-held Idlib Province. Formed in 2017, it is an alliance dominated by Jabhat Fatah al-Sham, which was previously affiliated with al-Qaeda. The group took several key cities on December 7 and 8, ultimately leading to the downfall of the Assad regime after 53 years.

The directive explicitly forbids compelling women to wear specific clothing or interfering with their choice of attire, according to the newspaper, which published details of the announcement.

"The High Command categorically prohibits forcing women to wear particular clothing or interfering with their right to choose their attire or making claims regarding their appearance," the newspaper quoted the opposition leadership as saying.

The hijab, a traditional head covering in Islamic culture that conceals the hair, ears, and neck, has been a subject of debate in many Middle Eastern nations regarding personal freedom and religious practice.

In a parallel move suggesting broader social reforms, the opposition command also issued strict prohibitions against the persecution of media workers, including employees of Syrian television, broadcasting agencies and social media platform owners.

"Any threats against these individuals are prohibited," Al-Watan reported, citing the opposition's statement.

The opposition leadership has established penalties for violations of these directives, with perpetrators facing up to one year in prison.

These measures come as the opposition works to establish its authority and define its governance approach in post-Assad Syria, particularly regarding personal freedoms and press rights.

In a later message by the opposition forces, they announced, "We are here now to build a new Syria that accommodates everyone without exception."

HTS' record in Idlib "not a liberal democracy by any stretch of the imagination": analyst