In brief
Demonstrations erupted in Syria after footage of a burning Christmas tree surfaced online, with protestors voicing their concerns about sectarian divisions.
Hundreds gathered in predominantly Christian areas of Damascus, Syria, to protest against sectarian violence following the burning of an artificial Christmas tree. The incident, which occurred in the town of Al-Suqaylabiyah near Hama, ignited a wave of demonstrations on Tuesday, with protestors carrying wooden crosses and chanting for unity. The video showing masked individuals surrounding the flames has prompted anxiety among minority communities after the recent overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime by Islamist rebels. Though it remains uncertain who burned the tree, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights attributed the act to foreign fighters, with reports of their subsequent arrests.While the new leadership has attempted to reassure minorities of their safety, recent assaults against various religious groups have fueled fear and tension in the region. No official comments have yet emerged from the Syrian government regarding the burning or the ensuing protests.
