Latest news with #BahjatAl-Hijri
Shafaq News
15-03-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Syrian Druze protesters replace new flag
Shafaq News/ Citizens in Syria's southwestern province of Al-Suwayda removed the newly adopted state flag and replaced it with the Druze Union flag. A circulating video captured a moment from a protest against the constitutional declaration signed yesterday by transitional President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, outlining a five-year transitional phase during which a transitional president would hold executive power and Islamic jurisprudence will serve as the primary source of legislation. Then, Sheikh Bahjat Al-Hijri, a leading Druze spiritual figure in Syria, condemned the transitional administration for what he called 'extremism and terrorism.'
Shafaq News
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
No deal: Druze leader breaks with Syrian regime
Shafaq News/ On Thursday, a prominent Druze spiritual leader in Syria declared that no agreement exists with the government in Damascus, accusing the transitional administration of 'extremism' and 'terrorism.' Speaking publicly, Sheikh Bahjat Al-Hijri stated, 'We are at a defining moment and will act in the best interest of our community, moving toward what serves the Druze.' Addressing recent events in Syria's coastal region, he criticized Druze fighters from Sweida, saying, 'We regret that some from Sweida are selling the blood and dignity of their people on the coast.' His comments stirred controversy, particularly as Druze leaders and Damascus officials continue discussions on governance and security arrangements in southern Syria. Druze representatives met with Sweida Governor Mustafa al-Bakour on Wednesday and signed an agreement aimed at regulating administrative and security affairs in the province. The accord outlined government coordination with local leaders to resolve outstanding issues and ensure stability. The agreement also authorized security forces to enter Sweida and facilitated the reinstatement of state institutions under Druze's leadership. Sweida, a predominantly Druze province in southern Syria, had largely remained neutral throughout the civil war, as thousands of its young men refused to join the former regime's military draft.
