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Ahrar al-Sham Denies Involvement in Suppressing Idleb Protests

Rebel group says its members were not involved in the crackdown on civilian protests led by Nusra Front on Monday
Ahrar al-Sham Denies Involvement in Suppressing Idleb Protests

Ahrar al-Sham Islamic Movement, a key Syrian rebel group, condemned the fierce break up of Monday's anti-regime demonstration in Idleb city and the arrest of prominent media activists.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the group said its fighters had not participated in the repression of the demonstration and called for the release of activists.

Fighters of the Nusra Front-led Jaish al-Fatah (Army of Conquest) had beaten media activists and prevented demonstrators form raising the flag of the revolution in the city's main square.

Activists said Nusra members had threatened to open fire on demonstrators.

Social media activists compared the group’s tactics to the Syrian regime, stating “as (Bashar) Assad as Nusra,” referring to Nusra’s savage methods against the peaceful protest.

This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.

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